Summer is here, so it’s time to enjoy the great outdoors. While you may be worried about skin issues like sunburn, your pet has a different but equally important concern—fleas. These pests bite and lay eggs, irritating your cat or dog’s skin. Fortunately, there are some simple flea treatment steps you can take at home so your pal can play outside safely.

4 Flea Treatment & Prevention Tips for Summer

1. Keep Up With Grooming & Bathing

Scratching an itch feels good for your pet, but persistent scratching in one area may be due to fleas. Washing and combing your cat or dog let you get a closer look at their coat and skin to see if you’re dealing with a simple itch or a bigger problem. Have your pet sit on a white towel while you groom them so you can see any pests or debris that falls off. Follow up with a warm bath and specially designed flea and tick shampoo. Rinsing with apple cider vinegar can prevent future bites because pests don’t like the taste.

2. Vacuum the House

Fleas spread easily because they can jump from your pet to the rugs and furniture. Vacuum thoroughly and use corner attachments to go along the baseboards, then switch to an upholstery attachment to clean the furniture and window treatments. Empty the vacuum cleaner and wash the filter after every use to ensure there are no fleas or eggs trapped inside.

3. Get Flea Treatments From the Vet

Whether you want to take your pal on a trip to the park or just want to play in the backyard, the veterinarian’s office should be your first stop. They’ll be able to provide the right flea treatment based on your pet’s age and size for the safest, most effective dosage. If you need to buy extra applications, get them directly through the office so you know you’re getting the same quality product the professionals use.

4. Maintain Your Lawn & Garden

Your pet loves playing in the yard, but so do fleas. Mow your grass to be 2 inches high to provide enough cover for the roots but not enough shelter for pests. Switch to cedar mulch for its natural pest-repellant properties and clear excess plant and shrub growth from garden beds to eliminate hiding places. Create a pet-friendly garden by planting colorful, fragrant herbs that keep unwanted insects away. Lavender, lemongrass, peppermint, and rosemary will protect your home from fleas and ticks.

Whether your pet is due for a checkup or their summer flea treatment, trust Parker Animal Clinic to keep them happy and healthy. They provide quality care for furry friends throughout Johnson County, AR, because they know that prevention is the best medicine. Visit their website to learn more about their services and convenient online pharmacy, and call (479) 754-5656 to make an appointment.