Share:

Spring and summer are the peak seasons for fleas and ticks. A dog or cat that gets attacked by one of these pests not only faces the discomfort of a painful bite but also the increased chances of contracting parasites and disease. To prevent bites and keep your companion safe, follow these three pet care tips.

How to Prevent Fleas & Ticks

1. Use Prevention Medications

Give your pet medication year-round for consistent protection since fleas and ticks never completely go away. There are both oral and topical varieties available, and different-sized animals will require different strengths of treatment. Consult a veterinarian for the best product to meet your pet's specific needs. Never give a cat a preventive medication designed for a dog or vice versa.

2. Do a Visual Inspection

Whenever your dog or cat comes in from the outdoors, get in the habit of performing a visual check of their fur and skin. Fleas and ticks may be small, but they're still visible to the naked eye; just be sure to do a slow, careful, comprehensive inspection. Don't forget to look in and around your pet's ears, in the nooks between their legs and torsos, and around their privates—these pests gravitate toward the warmest, darkest places on an animal's body.

3.  Give Regular Baths

fleasWhile these pests can attack any pet, they’ll be less inclined to bite a cleaner one, so make regular bath time a priority. This will also give you a chance to perform a more thorough visual inspection.

In general, dogs should be bathed at least once every three months, but during the spring and summer when fleas and ticks are most prevalent, a monthly bath helps keep pests at bay. While cats are usually efficient at cleaning themselves, you can give them a bath, too.

 

In the fight against fleas and ticks, your veterinarian will be your biggest ally. High Point Veterinary Hospital has been providing pet care services to the Guilford County, NC, and Tri-State areas since 2004. In addition to medical treatment and preventive care, they offer pet bathing, grooming, and boarding. Meet the compassionate staff on the website, then call (336) 889-3832 to request an appointment today.

tracking