External Parasites
Flea, Tick & External Parasite Treatment in North Houston, TX
Whether your pet is scratching excessively or you’re looking for preventive care, TEXAVET is here to provide treatment and prevention for external parasites in dogs and cats across the Greater Houston area. Parasite infestations can pose significant risks to your beloved companion, which is why we’re passionate about safeguarding their well-being with effective treatment options.
From understanding the signs of an infestation to knowing the best course of action, our veterinarians are here to help with the knowledge, expertise, and gentle care your pet deserves. Visit any of our walk-in flea and tick clinics in Houston, Spring, Cypress, or New Caney, no appointment needed.
What Are External Parasites in Dogs & Cats?
External parasites are organisms that live on the surface of your pet’s body, feeding off their blood and skin to survive. In Houston’s warm, humid climate, fleas, ticks, and mites are active year-round – making consistent prevention essential for all pets. If left untreated, these parasites can lead to more serious health problems including skin infections, diseases, and internal parasites. Common external parasites that affect cats and dogs include:
- Fleas: Small, wingless insects that jump onto pets and feed on their blood, causing itching, allergic reactions, and skin irritation. Flea allergy dermatitis, an allergic reaction to flea saliva, is one of the most common skin conditions in Houston dogs and cats. Fleas can also transmit tapeworms and Bartonella (cat scratch fever). Typically about the size of a pinhead, dark brown or reddish-brown – you may also see small white eggs or black ‘flea dirt’ in areas where your pet rests.
- Ticks: Arachnids that latch onto a pet’s skin to feed on blood, most commonly found in grassy or wooded areas. Ticks can transmit serious diseases including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Ehrlichiosis, and Anaplasmosis – all reported in the Houston and Greater Texas area. Ticks range from the size of a poppy seed to a small pea and may appear as small brown, black, or grayish-white bumps on your pet’s skin.
- Mites: Microscopic organisms that cause conditions including mange (sarcoptic and demodectic) and ear mites in dogs and cats. Ear mites are especially common in cats and cause intense itching, dark discharge, and head shaking. Sarcoptic mange is highly contagious between pets and can cause severe skin crusting and hair loss.
- Lice: Though less common than fleas and ticks, lice in dogs and cats can cause intense itching, hair loss, and skin irritation. Pet lice are species-specific – dog lice cannot transfer to cats or humans, and vice versa. Treatment is straightforward and effective when caught early.
Signs Your Pet Has External Parasites
The symptoms of an external parasite infestation vary depending on the type of parasite and the extent of the problem. If you have any concerns, visit one of our walk-in external parasite clinics in Houston for a same-day assessment. Common signs to look for include:
Excessive scratching, licking, or biting at skin or paws
Hair loss or bald patches, particularly around the tail base or ears
Red, irritated, or inflamed skin – may indicate flea allergy dermatitis
Visible parasites, eggs, or ‘flea dirt’ (tiny black specks) in the coat
Scabs, sores, or crusty skin lesions
Restlessness and discomfort due to constant itching and biting
Ear issues – shaking head, scratching at ears, or dark discharge may signal ear mites
Small bumps attached to skin, particularly after outdoor activity, may be ticks
What to Expect at Our Walk-In Flea & Tick Clinic
At TEXAVET, we understand that regular prevention and treatment are key to protecting pets from external parasites. When you visit our walk-in flea and tick clinic, we’ll check your pet thoroughly for fleas, ticks, and ear mites. If your pet has an infestation, our veterinarians will assess the severity and create a personalized treatment plan to ensure your pet gets the relief they need.
Regardless of whether your pet currently has external parasites, we typically recommend prescription flea and tick prevention medication for cats and dogs. At TEXAVET we carry Bravecto flea and tick prevention for dogs (3-month chewable, starting at $80) and Bravecto Plus for cats (monthly topical, $50) – both highly effective at preventing and eliminating fleas and ticks. We’ll also advise on additional measures such as flea baths, medicated ear wash, and safe tick removal.
External Parasite FAQs
Where do external parasites come from?
External parasites can be found nearly everywhere – especially in Houston’s parks, dog parks, wooded trails, and grassy areas. Flea and mite eggs can survive in your home, waiting to hatch when a host is available. Ticks are most commonly found in tall grass or wooded areas. Because of the prevalence of fleas and ticks in the Houston area year-round, consistent preventive medication is the most reliable protection.
What diseases can external parasites transmit to my pet?
External parasites can transmit a range of serious diseases to pets and, in some cases, to humans. Tick-borne diseases common in Texas include Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Ehrlichiosis, and Anaplasmosis. Fleas can transmit tapeworms and Bartonella (cat scratch fever). Beyond disease transmission, infestations can cause flea allergy dermatitis, anemia from blood loss, and severe skin infections. Year-round prevention is the most reliable way to protect your pet.
Are flea and tick products different for dogs and cats?
Yes, and this is critically important. Many flea and tick products safe for dogs are toxic to cats, particularly those containing permethrin. Always use products labeled specifically for your pet’s species and weight. TEXAVET carries Bravecto for dogs and Bravecto Plus for cats – our team will confirm the right product and dosage for your pet at your visit.
How do I safely remove a tick from my dog or cat?
Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin surface as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Do not twist or jerk – this can cause the mouthparts to break off and remain in the skin. After removal, clean the bite area with rubbing alcohol. Never use petroleum jelly, heat, or nail polish to remove a tick – these methods are ineffective and can increase disease transmission risk. If you’re unsure or your pet develops symptoms after a tick bite, visit one of our walk-in vet clinics in Houston for an assessment.
How much does flea and tick prevention cost at TEXAVET?
Bravecto flea and tick prevention for adult dogs is $80 for a 3-month supply. For puppies (8 weeks and older), Bravecto is $30 for a 1-month supply. Bravecto Plus for cats (which also covers heartworm) is $50 per month. Selarid topical for cats is $15 per month. All products are available at our walk-in flea and tick prevention clinics across Houston, Spring, Cypress, and New Caney – no appointment needed.
Flea, Tick & External Parasite Prevention in Houston — Walk In Any Weekend
When your pet is dealing with fleas, ticks, mites, or other external parasites in Houston, our team at TEXAVET is here for you. We understand how stressful dealing with an infestation can be for both you and your pet, which is why we focus on delivering effective, compassionate treatments tailored to your pet’s unique needs. Through excellent management of infestations and proactive year-round flea and tick prevention, we can help your pet stay parasite-free and comfortable.
Find a walk-in flea and tick clinic near you in Houston, Spring, Cypress, or New Caney any weekend – no appointment needed. Our bilingual team is ready to help protect your pet from fleas, ticks, mites, lice, and the diseases they carry year-round.