Fleas and Ticks: Complete Prevention and Treatment Guide

The Problem

Fleas: One female lays 50 eggs/day. Lifecycle: 2 weeks to 8 months.

Ticks: Found in all 50 states. Active whenever temperature >32°F.

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Diseases Transmitted by Ticks

• Lyme Disease: Lameness, fever, kidney failure ($200-800 treatment)
• Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever: Can be fatal ($200-600)
• Ehrlichiosis: Chronic, potentially fatal ($300-1,000+)
• Anaplasmosis: Lameness, fever, bleeding risk ($200-500)

Prevention Options

Topical Products

• Advantage II: $15-25/month (fleas only)
• Frontline Plus: $15-30/month (fleas + ticks)
• Revolution Plus: $20-40/month (comprehensive)

Oral Medications

• NexGard: $15-30/month
• Bravecto: $50-90 per 3-month dose
• Simparica: $15-30/month (fastest tick kill)

Collars

• Seresto: $50-70 (8 months protection, best value)

Year-Round Prevention Essential

• Indoor fleas thrive in winter
• Ticks active above freezing
• Treatment far more expensive than prevention

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Treating Infestations

Flea Protocol:

1. Capstar for immediate relief ($15-30)
2. Start monthly preventative
3. Treat environment (wash bedding, vacuum, IGRs)
4. Timeline: 2-3 months for complete elimination

Tick Removal:

• Use fine-tipped tweezers
• Pull straight up steadily
• Save tick for identification
• Monitor for illness 2-3 weeks

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Costs

Prevention: $60-400/year

Flea Infestation: $130-1,260+

Tick-Borne Disease: $950-3,500+

Flea Allergy Dermatitis: $340-720 first year

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Related: skin-allergies, ear-infections