While the threats of fleas and ticks are ever-present, these pests are most active between April and December in New York’s climate. Before the weather warms up fully, take a proactive approach to pet health. Here’s what all pet owners should do to prepare for the season. 

How to Protect Pets From Fleas & Ticks 

1. Stay on Top of Prevention 

The single most effective way to stop fleas and ticks from hurting your pets is by using a prevention method exactly as prescribed. Fortunately, there’s an approach for virtually every budget, from chewable tablets to topical sprays to medicated collars. Regardless of the method you prefer, make sure to administer it according to your veterinarian’s instructions. Ask your pet health professional for recommendations as to preferred methods or brands. 

2. Maintain Your Property  

If you have a yard, maintaining it during the spring and summer months will help keep ticks from thriving on your property. Keep grass short, fence off your gardens so pets can’t access them, and trim shrubs and bushes before they become wild and overgrown. If you have a dog house, clean it routinely. To limit the risk of fleas, avoid keeping food outside, as this can attract flea-carrying wildlife. Make sure to place all garbage in sturdy, tightly lidded cans, as scavengers like opossums and raccoons are drawn to trash odors.   

3. Modify Playtime 

Wooded areas that might be relatively safe to traipse through during the colder months could become breeding grounds for fleas and ticks once the temperature rises. Change walking routes to avoid places with dense undergrowth or tall grasses. As soon as your return from your walk, check your furry friend for ticks or brush them with a flea comb to minimize risks. Consider taking them for pet grooming. A shorter coat will make them more comfortable in the heat of late spring and summer and will offer fewer hiding spaces for pests. 

To discuss flea and tick prevention with a knowledgeable veterinarian, contact Clark Animal Care Center. Located in Penfield, NY, this American Animal Hospital Association®-accredited animal hospital provides comprehensive pet health care for all your furry friends. In their state-of-the-art facility, they offer everything from simple vaccinations to complicated surgical procedures. To request an appointment with a pet health specialist today, call (585) 377-1160. Learn about their caring staff online.