Flea and Tick Prevention

There are few things more frustrating than dealing with a flea infestation, and ticks aren’t any fun either. Unfortunately, preventing and treating fleas can be time consuming and expensive, however fleas and ticks cause lots of health issues in pets. The best way to alleviate this itchy frustration, is to prevent a flea or tick infestation from happening in the first place, by treating your environment and your pet.

Environmental Factors to Address

• Keep your lawn and shrubbery short, as tall grass and wooded areas are flea and tick heaven

• Treat your yard with environmentally conscious and pet safe pesticides. Talk with a pest control expert about what works best in your area.

• Avoid leaving trash or food in your yard to prevent furry critters from spreading fleas and ticks to your pet

• Utilize less trafficked areas when walking your pets, as dog parks and popular pet areas can become flea and tick hot zones. 

• Groom your pets regularly, and check for signs of fleas or ticks. Check your pet for ‘pepper like’ flea poop. Wet a cotton ball and dab the particles, if it appears red your pet most likely has fleas.

• Wash your pets bedding and vacuum regularly

Flea and Tick Treatments

There are many things to consider when it comes to what product to use to prevent and treat fleas and ticks on your pet. Pets are often allergic or develop negative side effects from some products, while other products simply do not work effectively. It is important to talk with your veterinarian to decide which flea and tick treatment and prevention is right for your pet. They will also inform you on other common parasites in your specific area to ensure your pet is protected. 

Here are a few good options:

• Bravecto Topical: This is a veterinarian prescribed treatment and prevention option for both cats and dogs. It prevents fleas for 12 weeks and ticks for 8 weeks, and covers a wide range of pet weights to ensure your pet receives the right dose for treatment. 

• Tevrapet: It’s safe for both cats and dogs, and kills and prevents fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. They also offer flea collars and topical solutions for cats and dogs. This is a more natural option, with the active ingredients being Cedarwood oil and Peppermint. Thus, applying more frequently than other flea and tick products is necessary.

• Advantage and K9 Advantix: Advantage and Advantix are topical solutions for cats (Advantage) and dogs (Advantix). It is a commonly available over the counter topical solution that kills and repels fleas ticks and mosquitoes for one month before reapplying is needed.

• Dawn Dish Soap: This is a great option for killing fleas on dogs and cats. Dawn dish soap does not prevent fleas but effectively kills the fleas and ticks on your pet. It is safe to use and budget friendly.

• Adams Flea and Tick Shampoo: Safe for use on dogs and cats, this shampoo kills fleas and ticks in the bath. The shampoo helps relieve itchiness caused by fleas. 

Spring and summer is a great season to spend time with your furry friend. There’s nothing better than walking your dog in the sunny weather and enjoying the great outdoors. Unfortunately, it’s also a great time for fleas and ticks to enjoy your furry friend as well, so be sure to prevent fleas and ticks and monitor your pet for signs of these pests.