Flea and tick prevention is important at any time of year. But during the summer, we often see an explosion in flea infestations (both in pets and in homes). And since you’re more likely to be spending time outdoors, your pet is prone to picking up ticks as well.
Fleas and ticks are dangerous for several reasons, aside from the itching and risk of infesting your home. Fleas can actually trigger allergies, and transmit several diseases such as mycoplasma haemofelis, tapeworms, cat scratch disease, and murine typhus. Ticks also carry a number of serious diseases, including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever which can infect humans.
Flea and tick prevention. After you’ve spent time outdoors with your pet, always check them thoroughly for ticks. These little blood suckers can latch onto any part of your pet, but are often found inside or behind ears, around your pet’s face, and in creases. If you notice signs of fleas in your home, take care of the problem by calling an exterminator immediately. Fleas breed quickly, and you want to address the situation before it gets out of control.
Of course, the best method of flea and tick prevention is to treat your pet with a product that repels or kills the pests. We can offer you flea and tick prevention treatments in our office, in a form and dose that is safe for your pet’s species and size. When applied correctly, these products are very effective at reducing your pet’s risk of infestation and disease.
Treatment of ticks. If you do notice a tick on your pet, you can remove the tick at home or come see us for help. Ticks can be removed with tweezers, grasping as close to the head as possible. Be careful not to leave the tick’s head in your pet, and disinfect the area after removal. After your pet has been bitten by a tick, we can test for common diseases that may have been transmitted to him or her (and potentially, you).
For more information on flea and tick prevention, please give us a call. We can advise you on the best products for your needs, and screen your pet for any flea- or tick-related diseases if necessary.