The Pet Owner’s Guide to Preparing for Flea and Tick Season
All pet owners consider their pets as part of their family. For this reason, they go above and beyond in taking care of them. Feeding pets are a given, but one factor that many pet owners often forget is the flea and tick season.
The flea and tick season is precisely what it sounds like: a season where flea and ticks are rampant so much on your pet's skin. They are responsible for causing a host of illnesses, some of which can be fatal to pets. Furthermore, you can also be affected, as fleas and ticks can bite the human and transmit diseases.
The best way to protect your pet from pesky fleas and ticks is to be informed of what should be done when there's a spike in fleas and ticks on pets. We'll discuss it in this article, so read on below to get started.
Fleas on Pets
Fleas are tiny insects that have six legs. They appear brown, black, or tan and have small bodies that are not much larger than the size of a pinhead. They can be seen hopping or jumping on your pet's hair.
Fleas can jump long distances, so they can travel from one pet to another. You'll find fleas in places that are dark and warm. For this reason, you'll find them more often in the comfort of your house and not the outdoors. Fleas are also known to spread quickly, especially if you live with several pets.
The most common areas where you can find fleas on your pet are the spots with the most hair, such as the legs, the neck, and beneath the tail. Fleas are very tiny, so you may need the help of a magnifying glass to spot them.
Fleas can affect your pets in the following ways:
- Severe itching
- Flea-induced dermatitis
- Parasitic dermatitis
- Anemia
How to Treat Fleas on Your Pet
There are several ways to treat fleas on your pets. These include:
- Oral medications
- Topical medications
- Using a flea comb
- Flea shampoo
Ticks on Pets
Ticks are tiny insects that parasitize animals. They feed on their blood, which is why they are dangerous for pets. Ticks can also pose a threat to humans, so it's imperative to remove them from the pet's body as soon as possible.
The most common ticks you'll see in your pet's body are the brown dog tick and the American dog tick. These are known to parasitize dogs and can be found on a pet's body. Additionally, they can also be found on human bodies, especially those who love spending time outdoors.
Ticks are very tiny, so they can be challenging to spot. They can be mistaken for lint or debris on your pet's hair. However, if you notice that your pet is scratching for no apparent reason, this may be a sign that you have ticks.
Ticks can cause problems in pets, including:
- Skin irritation
- Inflammation
- Allergic reactions
How to Treat Ticks on Your Pet
Just as there are several ways to treat fleas, there are also ways to treat ticks on your pet. These include:
- Flea comb
- Flea shampoo
- Topical medications
- Oral medications
Preventing Fleas and Ticks on Your Pet
Aside from treating fleas and ticks, it's also crucial to protect your pet from getting them in the first place. There are several ways to do this, including:
- Dry your pet after a bath
- Brush your pet regularly
- Avoid walking your pet outside in grassy areas where ticks are rampant
- Wash your pet's bedding regularly
- Inspect your pet's hair and skin
For the best measure, it's best to consult with a veterinarian. A vet will be better equipped to check your pet's body and suggest the best way to treat them if fleas or ticks are present. This will help you better protect your pet and your family by extension.
Conclusion
Fleas and ticks are a common problem for many pet owners. The most important thing to do when your pet is affected by fleas and ticks is to treat them immediately. Otherwise, the problem may drive them to become sick, which doesn't only cause problems for your pet but also you.
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