If you have never had to deal with fleas and ticks in your home, count yourself as lucky. However, if you have then you know how difficult it can be to get rid of them. Preventing fleas and ticks is much easier than eliminating them, so here are some tips on how you can prevent fleas and ticks before they take over your home.
Regularly Check Your Pet
Whether your pet went for a hike, or just played out in the yard, there is the risk of ticks. It takes as little as 24 hours for diseases like Lyme disease to be transmitted by ticks, so it is essential to find and remove them as soon as possible. Fleas can be carried into your home from your yard, another animal, or when you visit someone else’s home. No matter where they came from, the sooner you find and treat them, the fewer problems you will have.
Use a Flea and Tick Prevention Product
Fleas and ticks may thrive in warmer weather months, but their eggs can survive the cold, so it is a good idea to choose a year-round prevention product. This can come in the form of collars, topical treatments applied to the skin, or prescription oral medications. One thing to be mindful of is not using old collars or other prevention products that you find tucked away in a drawer. It can be tempting, but they can be ineffective if they’ve expired. Your veterinarian can help you select the best product for your pet.
Take Your Pet for Regular Checkups
Routine wellness exams are the best way to protect your pet in the long run. Your veterinarian can test or monitor your pet if you have recently found ticks, they can also review your current prevention routine and help you decide if it is the best fit for your pet and lifestyle. They are also the best source of knowledge for any questions you have about flea and tick prevention or treatment.
Contact your veterinarian today with any questions or concerns you have about protecting your pet from fleas and ticks.