Top Tips to Keep Your Pets Safe from Fleas and Ticks This Summer

Summer is a time of year that is synonymous with being outdoors. Dogs and their owners spend hours enjoying the weather. However, along with all the fun comes all the pesky pests. This is flea and tick season and many pet owners know how the pests cause problems for their canine companions. The pet’s warm and furry body provides a perfect environment for insects. Once the pests move in, they begin to feed on the pet’s blood and this causes different health problems.

Fleas and ticks cause health problems ranging from skin infections to Lyme disease. It is important to talk to your vet about safe and effective treatments and preventatives. When it comes to keeping your pets safe, prevention is always the best option. Here are some tips that will help to keep your pets safe from fleas and ticks this summer.

Use Flea and Tick Products

There are many vet-approved products for preventing fleas and ticks. They range from topical treatments and shampoos to collars. You can consult your vet about the best products in the market. The products are made to address different needs. Make sure that you read the label before using medications. Do not give medication made for cats to your dog.

Inspecting Your Dog

It is very important to inspect your dog regularly after taking walks. This is especially important if you walk through grassy areas or woods. Inspection is important even if the dog is on preventative medication. Look between the toes, around the ears and eyes, under the legs, and the tail. Touch and feel for bumps on the dog’s body. Part the fur to look for bumps that you may not be able to feel.

Remove Ticks Immediately

If you find any ticks on the dog’s body, make sure that you remove them immediately. The sooner you remove ticks, the less likely your dog is to contract bite-related illnesses. Find out the correct method to remove ticks. 

Investing in a tick removal tool will be helpful but you can also use a pair of tweezers. Use gloves and make sure that you remove the tick by its head. You can call your vet if you are unable to remove it. 

Keep the Grass in Your Yard Short

Make sure that you mow the lawn regularly to keep the grass short. You should also remove all brush and leaf litter from your yard. When out on walks, try to stay clear of grassy patches. This is important especially if you live in a location where ticks are endemic. 

Keep Your Dog Away from Other Dogs

Try as much as possible to keep your pet away from other dogs, especially during walks. This will help to keep your dog safe from cross-infestation. If you have several dogs, make sure that you treat them at the same time. 

It is important to keep the surrounding environment clean while dogs are being treated. Wash beddings, toys, and other items using hot water and soap. Vacuum the home thoroughly, including carpets and sofas. Empty the contents of the vacuum outside the home. If the infestation is bad, it may be a good idea to get professional pest extermination.

To learn more about keeping your pet safe from fleas & ticks this summer, contact Brekke Veterinary Clinic in Castle Rock, Colorado at (303) 474-4260 to book an appointment today.