Flea and tick prevention for pets

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Fleas and ticks are more than just a nuisance for pets, they can be potentially hazardous thanks to the diseases they may carry. Most veterinarians advise pet owners to use a flea and tick product to safeguard their animals against parasites. This is a year-round effort, because you never know when your dog or cat can be affected by fleas or ticks.

Fleas and ticks also do not differentiate between pets and humans for their meals. So an animal with an infestation can easily pass on his or her "friends" to a pet owner. Ticks can be carriers of Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

Monthly treatment with a topical fleaand tick repellent can reduce the risk. Many flea collars are safe. However, there have been some adverse reactions reported in the behavior of an animal wearing a flea collar. Keep in mind that canine products are not interchangeable with feline products. So carefully read the packaging of any flea and tick item to ensure the safety of your pet.

If you find fleas on your dog or cat, you will likely have to treat the entire house. Flea powders and sprays are available. The process may have to be repeated several times to eliminate all fleas from the premises.

Ticks discovered on a pet should carefully be removed with a tweezer. Make sure to pull out all of the mouthparts lodged beneath the pet's skin. Do not squeeze, burn or try to suffocate the tick. This could cause it to regurgitate saliva and diseases into your pet. Ticks like moist, shady, thick foliage. When walking your dog or allowing your cat out, keep the pet away from the edge of woods or where there is tall grass.