.png)
In recent years, Pennsylvania has experienced a concerning increase in reported cases of Anaplasma, a tick-borne disease that poses a threat to both humans and animals. Anaplasma is transmitted primarily by the black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis), commonly known as the deer tick, which has a significant presence across the state year-round. The surge in Anaplasma cases underscores the importance of heightened awareness and proactive measures to protect your pets against tick bites.
Common signs of Anaplasma infection in pets may include lethargy, decreased appetite, lameness, joint pain, fever, and in some cases, vomiting or diarrhea. It's essential to call us promptly if you observe any of these symptoms in your pet, as early detection and treatment are key to managing Anaplasma and promoting a swift recovery.
It's important to note that recent research indicates that Anaplasma transmission can occur in as little as 2 hours when a tick is attached to your pet.
At Aardvark, ensuring the health and happiness of your furry family members is a top priority. In keeping with this promise moving forward, our recommendation for the prevention of fleas and ticks will be Credelio.
Why?
In the most recent studies, Credelio has been shown to disable several species of ticks and in as little as 2 hours. In comparison, Simparica Trio requires at least 8 hours, while Bravecto and NexGard require a minimum of 12 hours to incapacitate ticks — a full 6 to 10 hours after exposure has already taken place. That can be too late!
Now let's get down to the nitty-gritty. For those of you who've told us you hate topical treatments, you'll be thrilled to know that Credelio is a once-a-month chewable tablet approved for all ages of dogs and cats including puppies and kittens.
Here's the bottom line. Although no flea and tick preventive measure can ensure absolute 100% protection, we are confident that Credelio is a game-changer in warding off Anaplasma transmission and it's debilitating effects on your infected pet. The speed of this treatment also adds an extra layer of protection, helping to guard against the transmission of Lyme disease, Ehrlichia, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever—all of which are prevalent in our region.
*We want to emphasize that we stand by the effectiveness of all flea and tick prevention options that we have recommended in the past, and we will continue to carry multiple options of preventatives. However, we believe that Credelio's faster results make it a preferable choice for the majority of pets.
What now?
If you are interested in hearing more about flea and tick prevention or Credelio please contact us. Dr. Thomas will be happy to provide an individualized plan for your pet and our team is always available for support!