What Is the difference between fleas and ticks? There is actually a big difference. A flea is a wingless insect that can jump really far. Ticks are arachnids, closely related to spiders. Fleas can live for more than 100 days, while ticks can live from a few weeks to up to 3 years.
Ticks can transmit dangerous diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Ticks live on bushes and grass. When your pet walks by and brushes up against the grass or shrub the tick climbs up on the host. Once on the new host the tick will eventually find a place to attach and feed.
Fleas are very common, in fact there are over 2,000 different species of fleas. Fleas can cause extreme discomfort in your pet and can cause a severe allergic reaction to flea bites. There are many products that help control fleas and ticks. We recommend Bravecto which according to industry studies is the # 1 flea and tick product on the market.
For dogs, it is an oral dosage that lasts about 3 months and for cats it is a topical application that lasts about 3 months. In Florida your pet needs year round protection from fleas and ticks. Bravecto is fully guaranteed by the manufacturer and is only available from licensed veterinarians.
For more information or to make an appointment for your pet, please call us at Sunshine Animal Hospital at 813-885-7071.