12+ Tips To Protect Your Pet From Ticks & Fleas

There is nothing worse than our fur babies going through the painful ordeals of getting attacked by ticks and fleas. And the problem only gets bigger during the summer season. Prevention is definitely better than cure. In this article, Dr. Deepak, a renowned veterinarian from India, reveals the most important flea & tick prevention tips that will keep your fur baby comfortable & protected.

• Expert-Led Prevention Method Is Key

There are various vet-approved products available in the market that offer flea and tick prevention for dogs and cats. You can select from flea and tick topical treatments, flea medicine for dogs, flea collars, shampoos, etc. However, it is better to buy the products as prescribed by your furry’s veterinarian. 

• Comb & Brush & Comb Again

Do not wait for your fur baby to start scratching or biting its own fur before checking for any tick and flea infestation. Instead, pick a habit of regularly running a comb through your furry’s coat to check for any ticks and fleas. Additionally, it is important to scrub the coat with a quality brush. If you spot something, take your furry to an expert immediately for a proper method of tick removal. This is specifically important for those pets who walk through wooded areas or grasslands. 

• If You Spot It, You Gotta Kill It!

If you have spotted a tick, then it is crucial to kill it immediately. If we let the tick fester, then it may lead to illness related to tick bites which can be further painful and difficult to manage. To remove the tick, use a quality pair of tweezers while protecting its mouth. As a hooman, it is safer that you wear gloves while pulling the tick as tick-borne illnesses can spread to the pet parents too. 

• Sweep & Clean & Vacuum Some More!

We can’t stress this enough! How important it is to keep the surroundings and the fur baby’s stuff squeaky clean. Wash the bedding with soap and water, or vacuum it or soak it in the sun to get rid of any signs of infection. Also, it is a fair practice to clean the nearby furniture as well. 

• Must-Follow the Package & Label Instructions

Another important tip to know is to always read the package instructions carefully before proceeding with its application. Do not use the tick and flea medication made for cats on canines and vice versa. 

• Outdoor Dog Beds Work Like a Charm

One of the hot spots from where our furries catch ticks and fleas is the lush outdoors. However, we can’t always keep them locked indoors, can we? Our pets need their ‘me’ time outdoors. Let them lounge in a good quality outdoor bed. These beds will keep your fur baby off the ground and are comfortable too.

• Mow the Lawn More Often

The grassier it is, the more difficult it gets for your lil boo to walk through it without attracting ticks and fleas. Hence, it is important to keep removing trash leaves, and mowing the gardens on a timely basis. 

• Tick & Flea Prone Areas Require Special Attention

When you are back from the outdoors, check for ticks and fleas in the areas where the coat is comparatively thin. These areas are tick and flea prone areas and require special attention. Check over the belly, under the limbs, ears, and armpits. Inspect the inside of the collar too. Check for any distinct bumps in the fur. 

• Match The Timelines of Multiple Pets at Home (if you have)

While there is nothing sweeter than having multiple bundles of furry joys, their safety and protection can become challenging if not synchronized. Reason? We want to prevent any cross infestation from occurring, or the spread of any further illness related to ticks & fleas. Hence, it is recommended to treat all the furries at the same time. If this is not possible, then try to keep the furry isolated until treatment.

• Mind the Itch! Groom Regularly!

One tick can make way for a hundred more. This is not a myth. Hence, it is better to remove it as soon as you spot it. Learn the proper tick removal method that you can deploy in case of emergencies. However, once you have removed it, take your fur baby to the vet for proper treatment, inspection, and removal. Like they say, ‘It is better to be safe than sorry!’

• For Intense Infestation, Use a Flea and Tick Fogger

Fleas tend to lay eggs, if not monitored for it. Once that happens, it can quickly turn into an intense infestation. In such an instance, you can use a flea and tick fogger to get rid of the infestation from the root. However, make sure to keep the pets and other family members away from the house for 12-24 hours at least. Pick an expert-recommended fogger only. 

• For Advanced Infestation, An Exterminator Might  Be Necessary

Even the toughest situations can be managed with quick action. If you notice an advanced level of infestation, get an exterminator on board and let them take care of it. 

• Take Action & Precaution All Year Long

Technically, we label summer as the tick and flea season. This holds true, but only to an extent. Ticks and fleas do not go by the season. Instead, they breed as per the environment. Hence, there is no preset time frame to when you should treat your doggo. It is better to follow precautionary measures against ticks and fleas all year round.

It is best to consult a vet before starting with any form of tick and flea treatment. Just click for online vet consultation or you can buy tick and flea repellant from our online pet store Zigly.