Pet Flea and Tick Prevention in the Summer

Summer means enjoying the warm weather and having fun with your pets. Nothing is as exciting as being out in the sun and heat without worrying about pests like fleas and ticks harming your pet. Fortunately, a few preventative measures can keep your pets safe throughout summer. Read on to learn more.

What Are Fleas?

Fleas are pests that like to stay in heated and cozy environments. They live on pets like cats and dogs, laying eggs on them and sucking their blood. If you find a flea in your home, know there are many more than you think. The female flea lays hundreds of eggs during her lifetime. The eggs laid on your pet’s fur will fall off and stay in the nooks and crannies of your home as they wait to hatch.

Fleas can be very persistent. So when dealing with them, start with your pet and your home environment.

What Are Ticks?

Ticks are notorious pests that are active in warmer seasons like summer. They usually hibernate in cold months like winter. It is essential to note that different temperatures activate them. For example, most tick species become dormant when temperatures lower up to 35F or snow fills the ground. However, a short period of warmth can make them active again.

During winter, ticks become active and look for food sources such as your pet. Hence, it is ideal to seek tick prevention for your pet to prevent harm.

Importance of Preventing Fleas and Ticks

Fleas and ticks cause harm beyond making your pet feel itchy. Ticks can transmit diseases, while fleas can cause skin allergies that can lead to infection and sores. They can also cause malnutrition and weight loss in pets as they transmit internal parasites. Eradicating fleas in the home can also be expensive.

Preventing fleas and ticks also helps protect the human beings in your home. The pests can cause your family harm and cause diseases.

Diseases That Fleas and Ticks Carry

Insects can spread so many diseases to human beings and pets such as:

 

• Cat scratch disease - Human beings can experience symptoms such as headaches and fevers
   

• Plague - Fleas were responsible for the plague that led to devastation and death in the mid-1300s. Fortunately, there are antibiotics to help human beings. It affects pets and people. Its cases continue to occur in rural areas of the United States
   

• Flea-borne parasites - A flea can turn into a tapeworm if swallowed. Children can get affected when playing on carpets and floors
  
   

Ticks carry diseases that can affect the health of pets and people. Below are some of the tickborne diseases:

 

• Lyme disease
   

• Bourbon virus
   

• Tularemia
   

• Rocky mounted spotted fever
   

• Heartland virus
   

• Colorado tick fever

Preventing Fleas and Ticks

There are many remedies to control fleas and ticks from your pets. You can get most of them through your vet or over the counter. There are topical treatments, pills, liquids, and collars that your veterinarian can guide you on.

Consulting your veterinarian is ideal as not all remedies will work for your pet. Your vet will need to know how many pets you have in the house, how often they go outdoors, and where you live.

Most experts recommend getting your pet under flea and tick preventative medication throughout the year. There are also other ways you can prevent the invasion of such pests. Ideally, keep your trash bins closed. Mow your lawn regularly and avoid wood, leaves, and brush piles in your home. It is also ideal that you clean up around fruit trees or any fruits that fall in your yard.

Make a habit of checking your pets regularly for fleas and ticks. If you see any signs of pests, call your veterinarian immediately.

For more about preventing pet fleas and ticks in summer, visit Town and Country Animal Hospital at our office in Bonita, California. Call (619) 479-3311 to book an appointment today.