Signs of Infestation

Watch for:

• Constant scratching or chewing
• Tiny black specks (“flea dirt”) on fur or bedding
• Red or inflamed skin patches
• Lethargy, appetite loss, or fever (possible tick‑borne illness)

Prevention is Key

At Dry Creek Veterinary Hospital, we recommend:

• Year‑Round Preventives: Monthly flea & tick products are far more effective (and affordable) than treating infestations.
• Multiple Pet Protection: All pets in the household should be treated—even indoor cats.
• Yard Management: Keep grass trimmed and remove leaf litter where ticks thrive.
• Regular Checks: After hikes or outdoor play, run your hands over your pet to check for ticks.

Why Fleas & Ticks Are a Year-Round Threat

• Mild Winters: Without a hard frost, fleas and ticks continue breeding.
• Outdoor Adventures: Galt’s parks, hiking trails, and backyards are prime habitats.
• Indoor Survival: Flea eggs and larvae can live in carpets and furniture, reinfecting pets months later.

Beyond being a nuisance, fleas and ticks can transmit serious diseases:

• Fleas: Flea allergy dermatitis, tapeworms, and even Bartonella (“cat scratch fever”).
• Ticks: Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, and Anaplasmosis—all of which are increasingly reported in California.