May is National Lyme Disease Awareness Month

FLEAS, TICKS, AND WORMS, OH MY!

EXPERT TIPS ON FELINE PARASITE PREVENTION

Cats are funny creatures. One minute they want their space, and the next, they want to cuddle up on your lap (or they completely ignore you until it’s dinnertime). While it may sometimes seem like your cat could be hiding from you, the reality is they form bonds with their humans and are dependent on us

These bonds are mutually beneficial. Cat ownership has been found to lower stress, decrease the risk of allergies in children, and improve your quality of life. That’s why it’s important for cat owners to do all they can to protect their pets, especially when it comes to common parasites.

While some parasites are most active in the spring and summer, your cat is at risk year-round. Especially now, from Heartworm Awareness Month in April to Lyme Disease Awareness Month in May, learning about potential risks and how to protect your cat is crucial. This includes understanding common misconceptions around feline parasite prevention.

One such misconception is that only outdoor pets are affected by parasites – in fact, cats of all lifestyles are susceptible. Even indoor cats can be exposed, as parasites can be brought inside by other pets and people. A flea infestation or tick bite can spread disease and hinder your bond with your cat. Between seeing your cat constantly itching and finding flea dirt in your home, these parasites can cause stress and frustration for you both.

There’s also a misunderstanding that parasite prevention medication is only needed seasonally; however, parasites are a constant threat, and year-round protection is the key to a happy and healthy cat. Whether you’re a first-time cat owner or a well-experienced pet parent, it’s always best to talk with your veterinarian about the right protection for your cat.

On Tuesday, May 6th, Dr. Amber Whittle, Medical Affairs Manager of Feline Parasiticides at Zoetis, will be available to talk about the joys of cat ownership and how cat owners can protect their furry friends against parasites. She’ll explain what owners should be aware of to help keep their cats healthy, so they can have a happier, stronger bond at home.

The post May is National Lyme Disease Awareness Month FLEAS, TICKS, AND WORMS, OH MY! EXPERT TIPS ON FELINE PARASITE PREVENTION appeared first on Good News!.

Spending quality time outside with pets is a great way to be refreshed and experience companionship during this unprecedented time. Many are also adopting or fostering shelter pets as a way to connect. While people are doing all they can to preserve the health and safety of their communities through social distancing, working from home and other actions, pet owners also face the unique responsibility of maintaining their pet’s health and safety when choosing outdoor activities over social gatherings.

Spending time in nature on long walks, taking hikes or even playing in the backyard with your pets is important to their physical health. At the same time, this gives fleas and ticks the opportunity to pounce on dogs and cats and spread serious diseases. Lyme disease is the most common illness caused by tick bites, representing 72% of the tick-borne diseases reported in humans, according to recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data. It can also be fatal if left untreated in both dogs and humans.
Lyme disease has been found in every state in the U.S. According to the CDC, approximately 30,000 cases of Lyme disease occur in the U.S. each year. While dogs and cats cannot spread the disease directly to humans, pets can bring infected ticks into your house from the outdoors.
Pet parents should take measures to protect their four-legged friends, such as checking fur for ticks and having pets protected with a parasite preventative year-round. Long-lasting preventative treatments can help keep your pet safe from these creepy crawlers and your home free from infestation.
Dan Markwalder, DVM and leading expert in Lyme disease and prevention, shares advice that will help keep your dog safe outside this summer, with a special emphasis on protecting pets from fleas, ticks and Lyme disease. He’ll also outline the signs and symptoms associated with Lyme disease in pets.

The interview is courtesy: Merck Animal Health

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