Parasite Prevention and Treatment

Parasites like fleas and ticks are common in Québec. It’s important to protect your pet against these parasites with a preventive antiparasitic. Besides causing skin problems for your pet, fleas and ticks can transmit many diseases.

Can my pet get fleas if they’re always inside?

It may come as a surprise, but indoor pets are also at risk for fleas. These parasites travel into our homes on shoes, pants, bags and plants. That’s why it’s important to protect your even your indoor pets from fleas.

What are ticks?

Ticks are bloodsucking parasites that belong to a group of mites that attach themselves to animals’ skin. Besides the fact that they’re unpleasant, they can transmit various diseases such as anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis or Lyme disease. Ticks thrive at temperatures above 4°C as well as in cool and humid climates. They can be found in tall grass, forests, brush and bushes.

How do I get rid of ticks?

To remove a tick from your pet’s body, it’s best to use a tick removal hook which, as the name suggests, is designed for that very purpose. These tools can remove the entire tick, including the head. If you try to remove a tick with your fingers, the head will likely get stay attached to your pet’s skin, increasing the chances that they will develop an infection. That’s why it’s best not to remove a tick with your bare hands.

What preventive antiparasitic treatments are available?

There are many preventive treatments to protect your pet against both ticks and fleas, including treats and topical drops. They’re designed to repel parasites for a certain period of time. Ask your vet for advice on the best treatment for your pet and how often to administer it.