Welcome to part three of our series about fleas and ticks. If you recall, in, Part One, of our series we talked about how to prepare yourself and your pets for both flea and tick season. In Part Two, of our series, we discussed what to do if you find fleas and ticks on your pets’ and how to safely remove a tick if you happened to find one. We also talked about three different types of ticks that are native to the United States and the diseases that each type of tick has been known to carry.
That being said, welcome to Part Three of our series where we will talk about 10 different things that we, as pet owners, can do to keep fleas and ticks at bay all throughout the years. In no particular order, they are:
Spot- On Treatments
Spot-On treatments include over the counter medications that you can purchase from your veterinarian, pet store, or even online. These are all very effective methods for controlling both fleas and ticks for up to a month. These medicines are great but pet owners still need to be careful about the brand they choose to use. If you purchase one, be sure to get advice from your veterinarian before using it.
Oral Medications
Oral Medications include pills that you give to your dog once a month. These medications work to kill both ticks and immature fleas but not necessarily adult fleas. These medications are easy to give to your dog and there is no concern about children and cats coming into contact with the medication.
Shampoo
When you bathe your dog with a medicated shampoo it will kill ticks on contact. This is an inexpensive, but time consuming method of getting rid of ticks. If you don’t want to bathe your dog and then allow him to dry, you may want to consider another method of getting rid of pesky ticks.
Tick Dips
A tick dip is a method of killing ticks that involves a concentrated chemical. This chemical needs to be diluted in water and then applied to your pets’ fur with a sponge. You can even pour the solution over your pets’ back, but be sure not to rinse it off when you’re done applying it. Tick dips are not meant for pets under for months of age or for those pets that might be pregnant.
Collars
Collars that repel fleas and ticks are another preventive you can use though they are only meant for killing fleas on the head or the neck of your pet. In order for the collar to work, it must come into contact with your pets’ fur and skin. Be sure, as well, to make sure there are two fingers under the collar when you put it around your pets’ neck.
Powders
Powders are medications that also work to repel fleas and ticks from your dog. Use these powders with caution during the application process as they tend to blow into the air. It can then become an irritant to pets and people alike.
Sprays
Tick sprays are effective at killing ticks almost immediately. Sprays can be used in between medicated shampoo and tick dips.
The House and the Lawn
One of the most effective ways to keep fleas and ticks away is to make sure your yard is cut and that your bushes are trimmed. Keep your home clean as well, by dusting and vacuuming on a regular basis. For more tips on how to maintain a tidy yard and a clean house, be sure to visit https://m.petmd.com.
Check Your Pets
Be sure to check your pets for fleas and ticks if you spend a lot of time outdoors. As mentioned in previous articles, parks, trails and wooded areas are often not maintained to standards. This means that fleas and ticks often wait for their next host to pass before jumping and making contact with the host.
If your dog is not an outdoor dog, try and keep him inside as much as possible. As long as you maintain a clean home, then you shouldn’t have an issue with fleas or ticks inside your home.
Thank you for joining us for our three part series on fleas and ticks. Be sure to visit https://m.petmed.com for more helpful tips on keeping your pet happy and healthy for a lifetime.
This post has been brought to you today by Arrowhead Scoopers. Arrowhead is the leading pet waste removal service in the West Phoenix area, including Glendale, Peoria, and Surprise. Give us a call today at (602) 391-0160 to receive your free quote. Our rates start at just $11.00 per week. Visit our website, at www.arrowheadscoopers.com to view customer reviews and more! Happy Tails!
