Flea & Tick Prevention From Our Veterinarian
Being proactive towards keeping your pets safe from ticks and fleas is the best advice pet owners can take. Two great ways you can start protecting your pet right now are flea and tick collars and once-a-month chewable tablets that infuse your pet's bloodstream with a safe, effective chemical that kills fleas and ticks when they bite your pet. Collars treated with an anti-parasitic solution meant to interact with a pet's body chemistry last as long as 90 days to repel and kill fleas and ticks.
Before putting your pet on a parasite preventive, your Reisterstown veterinarian recommends making sure pets are flea and tick free by shampooing them with a pet-friendly flea and tick shampoo.
Tips for Pet Parasite Prevention
Always inspect your pet's fur and skin every day for signs of fleas or ticks. If your pet has long fur, brush the coat thoroughly to remove insects and plant debris. Check paws for ticks that may have become embedded in paw pads and in between toes. Watch pets for behavioral signs of parasites such as excessive scratching, biting and licking. Hot spots, or areas of noticeable redness and inflammation, are symptoms of flea infestations. Some dogs and cats are highly sensitive or allergic to flea bites. Just a few fleas are enough to cause sensitive pets to suffer an extreme case of flea dermatitis. Hair loss, scabs, and bacterial skin infections are classic signs of flea dermatitis.
Also, wash toys and bedding every week during the summer to reduce the risk of flea and tick infestations. Vacuum your carpet and use attachments to clean furniture at least once a week. Keeping your lawn mowed and weeded also helps decrease the parasite population around your home. If you live around wooded areas or parks, you might consider having your yard sprayed to combat the proliferation of fleas, ticks, mosquitos and other insects potentially harmful to you and your pets.
Contact Our Local Veterinarian Today!
Learn more about the parasite prevention products we have available at our Reisterstown Veterinary Clinic by stopping in or calling (410) 833-1717 to schedule an appointment for a wellness check.