Springtime brings sunshine, but warmer weather also means the fleas and ticks have returned. These parasites aren’t just a nuisance, causing your pets discomfort; they can also be harmful to the health of both your pets and you. Fleas and ticks carry dangerous diseases that can be transferred from animals to humans, including plague, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Lyme disease, and bartonellosis to name just a few.
How to Protect Your Pets from Parasites
The best parasite protection is parasite prevention, and there’s a lot you can do to prevent your cat or dog from getting fleas and ticks.
- Fleas and ticks thrive in thick, brushy areas. Keep your yard well trimmed and free from debris. Fence off garden areas to keep pets away. You can also use a safe insecticide in your backyard to eliminate dangerous parasites.
- You should also take care to walk your dog through only natural areas that are well maintained. If you do travel with your pets through a brushy, wooded area, be sure to check yourself and your pet for ticks before going inside.
- Use a medicated flea and tick preventative solution.
Choosing the Right Parasite Preventative
Browsing the parasite prevention department in a pet store can quickly become overwhelming. There are several choices in types of preventatives (oral, topical, and medicated collars), in addition to determining which is right for your pet’s weight, age, breed, and species. The parasite preventative that’s the perfect fit for one pet could be dangerous to another.
It’s most important to follow instructions and choose a product designed for your pet’s species; dog medications can be very dangerous to cats and vice versa. Always select a product dosed for your pet’s weight; a product designed for a large pet could be dangerous for a small pet. You should also be sure to talk with a veterinarian before administering a parasite preventative to a very young or very old cat or dog, as these medications can be harmful to their more sensitive systems.
Schedule a Parasite Prevention and Wellness Appointment at Companion Animal Clinic
Parasite prevention is an important part of your pet’s wellness care. When looking for a parasite preventative that is right for your pet, you can always ask a veterinarian at Companion Animal Clinic. We can help you choose a product that is both safe and effective, while also providing the correct dosage and administration to keep you and your pets healthy, happy, and safe from parasites this spring and summer season.
