The best protection for your pet is to maintain flea and tick treatments year-round. Northeast Ohio winter temperatures don’t always stay cold enough to kill off fleas and ticks, and these critters are known for finding creative places to overwinter. With warmer temperatures now upon us, if your pet is late on his or her flea and tick treatment, now is the time to take care of it.
The more time your pets spend outdoors, the more vulnerable they will be to fleas and ticks. Even if you have indoor cats, treatment is advised since fleas and ticks can hitch a ride into your home on your clothing.
May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month
Lyme disease, spread by the commonly known deer tick, is serious for both pets and humans, and with warming May temperatures bringing everyone outdoors more, it’s important to take precautions. Ticks do not fly or jump, but instead hide in grass and leaves, crawling onto your pet as they pass by or lounge outdoors. Ticks carry other diseases that also can make your pet very sick, including Ehrlichia, Anaplasmosis, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
Protect your pets by:
- Checking them for ticks frequently, especially if they have been in a wooded area.
- Seek help from your veterinarian if you find a tick on your pet, as it is crucial to remove all of the tick to prevent infection.
- Consider screening and vaccination options for tick-borne diseases.
Dealing with fleas
It’s such a common problem for dogs and cats, every pet owner has dealt with fleas affecting at least one of their pets. While the worst reaction may be your pet itching a bit, some pets can experience more severe allergic reactions to flea saliva that can lead to excessive scratching and infection. Fleas multiply fast and some can also spread tapeworm to pets, so move quickly to rid your pet of fleas and get preventive medication.
Get a handle on fleas by:
- Combing your pet’s coat with a flea comb and kill any fleas you draw out by dunking the comb in hot, soapy water.
- Give your pet a bath, but consult your veterinarian before using a flea shampoo, as some can be extremely harsh and cause skin issues. Warm water and a mild dish soap often works well to draw out and kill fleas.
- If your pet is scratching and biting excessively, contact your vet for advice even if you do not see fleas on him. Fleas will frequently live in carpet, furniture, and your pet’s bedding.
- Treat all animals in your home even if you think only one animal has fleas.
- Treat your house for fleas by vacuuming carpet and furniture, and thoroughly cleaning pet bedding. If your flea problem is severe, have your home sprayed.
If you aren’t sure whether your pet is current on flea and tick treatment, or you are concerned about your pet’s potential reaction to fleas or ticks, contact our office. At Lake Cable Animal Hospital, we can check your pet’s records, arrange for any needed treatment, and advise you on how best to protect your pet from fleas and ticks this summer and all year round.