Simple Do’s and Don’ts to Keep your Pet Safe from Pesky Fleas and Ticks Year-round

156
- Advertisement -

Having your pets on flea and tick prevention is strongly recommended to keep them happy and healthy all year round. Unbeknownst to pet owners, fleas and ticks can be the central cause of many health concerns other than local itchiness and skin irritation. Fleas have been linked to allergies and anemia, as well as passing on troublesome intestinal parasites to your pet like tapeworms. Ticks take the transport of disease to the next level by spreading life-threatening illnesses such as Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. 

DO pick the best flea and tick prevention for your pet!

Topical or Oral? Oral flea and tick prevention is great for cats and dogs that do not have food/skin allergies or GI upset. Oral medications are also great for pets that spend a lot of time outdoors and swimming! If you do choose an oral medication, make sure to give it with a small meal or snack to ensure your pet does not experience stomach upset. Topical prevention is a great alternative for pets who are not good candidates for oral medication. 

DO keep your pet on flea and tick prevention year-round to prevent the transmission of any disease!

Winters are becoming warmer, and the odds of fleas and tick eggs dying during this time are becoming smaller. Treating your pets with a preventative year-round ensures they are kept safe (and remain healthy) from those pesky fleas and ticks.

Do treat your entire home if you find fleas on your pet!

Fleas do not live on pets. They only hop onto them when they need a snack! (GROSS) If you have found fleas on your pet, even one, the likelihood of them living in your carpet and upholstery is high. 

It is recommended to treat all the pets in your home and treat the environment too! Products like Knockout Area Treatment by Virbac are easy and safe to use on carpet and furniture, and even pet beds!

DON’T bathe your pet for up to 48 hours after applying topical flea medication.

Topical flea medication is absorbed through your pet’s skin and needs this time to become effective. 

DON’T administer your flea and tick medication incorrectly.

Flea and tick preventatives can be not only ineffective but dangerous if administered incorrectly. Always check the label or ask your veterinarian if you have questions about dosing or administration. 

DON’T administer flea and tick preventative to your cat if it is labeled for a dog. 

Canine flea and tick prevention is much stronger than flea and tick prevention for cats. If a feline accidentally has had canine prevention applied, please contact your veterinarian immediately as this could end up an emergency if not treated quickly.

- Advertisement -