Preparing Your Pet for Flea & Tick Season
As the weather gets warmer and spring flowers begin to bloom, it is the perfect time to get outside with your pet. There’s nothing better than a nice walk or hike with your dog or lounging on the porch with your cat. But with the warm Alabama weather comes the risk of pesky fleas and ticks.
Fleas and ticks irritate your pet, impact their health, and can even end up infesting your home if left untreated. In order to keep your pet as happy and healthy as possible, we have simple but effective tips to avoid fleas and ticks this season.
If you have concerns about fleas and ticks and want to take proactive measures to protect your pet, contact North Jackson Animal Clinic today.
Medications
One of the most effective ways to prepare your pet for flea and tick season is by applying medicine monthly. There are several medication options, including topical treatments, chewable pills, and flea collars.
If you are unsure of what medications to use, contact our veterinary clinic, and one of our veterinarians will advise you on the best flea and tick products for your pet.
Keep Bird Feeders and Bird Baths Away From Pet Areas
This may come as a surprise to many pet owners, but fleas and ticks are attracted to bird feeders and birdbaths. You should move these items away from areas where your pet spends a lot of time.
You should also make sure your pet does not drink from water sources potentially shared with insects.
Tend to Your Lawn
Mowing the lawn and trimming your bushes does more than make your home look good. Trees, bushes, and grass are prime breeding grounds for fleas and ticks. That’s why it’s essential to stay on top of your lawn maintenance.
If you have a garden, it may be a good idea to fence it off, so your pet does not have access to it. And if you take your dog for a walk, it’s important to avoid areas with overgrown grass.
Give Regular Baths
Your pet may not love bath time, but it’s worth the extra grooming to keep disease-carrying pests at bay. Fur that is dirty or matted may attract fleas and ticks.
Also, if a pest does attach to your dog or cat, an unkempt coat may make it difficult to detect, potentially causing more harm and discomfort.
Wash Your Pet’s Bedding & Toys
One of the most worrying and stressful impacts of fleas and ticks is an infestation in your home. If fleas or ticks attach to your pet, your pet may bring them inside where they can lay eggs.
Washing your pet’s bedding and toys or any area that they frequent regularly can help prevent an outbreak.
What Do I Do If My Pet Has a Flea or Tick?
If you find that your pet has fleas or ticks, time is of the essence. You want to eradicate the pests as soon as possible for your pet’s sake and your home’s sake.
There are several shampoos and other products that can get rid of fleas and ticks. You should always check with your veterinarian before trying any treatment.
The Takeaway?
As the weather gets warmer, you can take many preventative measures to keep your pet protected from fleas and ticks. Medications, lawn maintenance, and grooming are all simple steps you can take to keep your dog or cat safe from disease and discomfort.
If you ever have any questions about how to prevent fleas and ticks or how to treat them, you should check with your veterinarian for the best course of action. Contact North Jackson Animal Clinic today. Our team is always happy to help
