Ticks in Massachusetts carry a host of diseases -- not just Lyme disease but other diseases (like Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, ehrlichia, and anaplasmosis) that can make dogs very sick and can be difficult to treat, particularly in their advanced stages. We routinely screen for these diseases as part of the heartworm testing discussed above, but our best strategy is to prevent them by keeping the ticks away.
Flea infestations can trigger severe skin allergies in dogs and cats, and fleas are the most common way dogs and cats contract tapeworms, an intestinal parasite. Fleas can bite people as well, particularly when the fleas have moved beyond your pets and into your carpeting and furniture.
Bravecto is a convenient chewable tablet for dogs that provides 12 weeks of protection against fleas and ticks. To simplify the process, we recommend enrolling in our autorefill program where we will send one Bravecto tablet every 12 weeks. When the tablet arrives, just give it to your dog and you're all set for the next 12 weeks.
If you prefer a topical treatment, K9 Advantix II protects dogs against fleas and ticks for one month per application.
For cats, Bravecto is a topical treatment that has been very effective at controlling fleas in our area. Most indoor-only cats can skip flea prevention entirely, but if your cat spends any time outdoors, we recommend treating with Bravecto.