Fleas and ticks are a very real problem for all pet owners. Prevention is the best way to protect your animals from lasting problems like tapeworm and Lyme disease. Keep reading for some tips to prevent your pets from fleas and ticks.
Inspect Your Pets
After taking a walk through tall grasses or wooded areas, be sure to check your pets for ticks. Key areas to check are between toes, face and ears, under the tail, and under their collar. If you feel any bumps, part the fur to see their skin to determine if it is a tick or just a bump. When inspecting your pet for fleas, it is easiest to check their belly and other areas with thin fur. You will want to look for fleas or “flea dirt” which is flea feces with digested blood. To differentiate between flea dirt and regular dirt, place the dirt on a wet paper towel. If it is flea dirt, it will turn red. Regular inspections are crucial to catch these pests early to prevent an infestation or disease transmission.
Treat Your Animals at the Same Time
Whether you have already found fleas and ticks, or you are actively preventing them, you will want to treat all animals in the home at the same time to prevent cross infestation. This also will make prevention more manageable, so you will not have to remember who was treated when. Whether you choose a topical product, collars, or oral medication, treating them together and on time based on the label instructions is the best way to guarantee the best prevention.
Read Labels
Before purchasing flea and tick prevention products, make sure the label says it is for your pet. Not all products are for both cats and dogs, and you should never apply a product that is not meant for your animal. Also be mindful of weight and age guidelines. Some products may not be suitable for animals under a certain weight.
Speak with Your Veterinarian
Your veterinarian is the best source of information and can evaluate your current routine and work with you to find the best prevention product for your pets. If you are concerned about fleas and ticks, speak with your veterinarian at your next visit.
