Preventing Fleas and Ticks in Pets

Fleas and ticks on the skin cause severe discomfort and illnesses to pets and their owners. Once parasites attack your home, it may take months to control them. Prevention is the better defense because you avoid an infestation in the first place. Luckily, preventative measures are easy to administer.

Here’s what to do:

1. Clean Your Yard

Sanitizing the yard is the first step toward keeping ticks and fleas away. Keep the grass on your lawn short and trim the shrubs. Vegetation provides the fleas and ticks with hiding spots as they await a host to pass by. Once you cut or trim it, you expose the parasites to the hot sun and possible predators.

Ensure that no wildlife and feral pests find their way to your yard. They may reintroduce ticks and fleas. Feral cats, opossums, raccoons are some of the biggest carriers. Avoid leaving bowls of pet food outside to avoid inviting them. Seal off all openings from which the wild animals could enter your compound and house. Once done, get some yard fleas to spray from a hardware store and spray to kill any fleas or their larvae present.

2. Maintain a Clean Home

The presence of parasites is not a sign of a dirty home. However, some areas of the house make a comfortable home for parasites. Cleaning every other day ensures that adult fleas and ticks die and that their young do not metamorphose into adulthood. Most people only vacuum the center of the room, but fleas avoid these high-traffic areas. Be sure to move the furniture, take out the cushions, and wipe the baseboards when cleaning. Your pets’ playing or sleeping area is also a priority. Vacuum your car frequently too if your pet rides in there with you. Change the vacuum bag often, or have a flea collar to kill the fleas that may emerge.

3. Comb Through the Pet’s Hair

Most owners react to ticks and fleas when they begin seeing changes on the pets’ skin. By then, the parasites have spread throughout the pet’s body and attached themselves to other points in the house. For complete prevention, practice spot-on treatment. Before the pet enters the door after playing outside, run a flea comb through its coat. Place a white sheet or towel beneath the pet, and see any fleas drop. You may also rub some petroleum jelly on the comb. Any fleas will stick to the comb’s teeth as you run it down the fur. After a thorough combing, shake out what comes out in a basin of soapy water, and pour it down the drain.

4. Consider Pharmacological Tick/Flea Prevention

The vet may recommend a chemical treatment for a quick and easy prevention measure. Most people like sticking to natural remedies, but some instances demand radical intervention. Read the instructions and observe the recommended dosage. Take note of the side effects too, and watch how your pet reacts. If you develop any concerns, reach out to your vet.

5. Give Your Pet a Warm Bath

A bath could effectively wash off the pests and ticks. Special tick and flea shampoos make it difficult for the parasites to hold on to the pet’s skin. Warm water soothes the skin and reduces irritation. If the pet itches too much after the bath, prepare an oatmeal bath, and rub him in it.

Pets are susceptible to tick and flea attacks infestation. Prevention helps avoid parasites in the first place. For professional advice and consultation, visit the Kankakee Animal Hospital in Kankakee, Illinois. You can also call 815-332-0600 to book your appointment.