Preparing for Flea and Tick Season
Bugs have already begun to invade our yards and there are a couple little pests that need to be addressed before the warmth is really upon us. We’re talking about fleas and ticks. Yes, that season is quickly approaching and needs to be discussed, especially for our pet parents. Besides being able to jump long distances and make your dog itch like crazy, fleas and ticks can be a danger to your pet’s health. Which should be enough of a reason to prepare yourself, your yard and your pet for flea and tick season.
What are fleas?
Fleas are the most common external parasite your dog can encounter. They are wingless insects that feed on blood, can jump up to two feet high and are very persistent in the right environment. Fleas can live for as few as 13 days or, unfortunately, as long as 12 months sometimes. Typically the symptoms they cause are excessive scratching and hair loss in pets. If your pet is overly sensitive to flea saliva, they can contract flea allergy dermatitis, which is when your pet has an allergic reaction from the flea saliva that is injected into your pet’s body during a flea bite. This can cause irritation, inflamed skin, scratching and hair loss.
What are ticks?
Ticks will also feed on your pet’s blood after they attach themselves. They can be the size of a pinhead before they bite and can often be found close to the head, neck, ears and feet. Although there may be no obvious discomfort or pain shown from a tick, symptoms of a tick bite or a disease transmission from them include blood loss, anemia, tick paralysis, skin irritation and Lyme Disease. Ticks are most active in late spring and summer, so it’s important to remember to always run your hands carefully and slowly over your pet whenever you come in from the outdoors. Tall brush or grass is a favorite spot for ticks to wait for a host as well as warm climates and wooded areas of the Northeast.
So, let’s talk prevention!
Prevention starts with your dog and the most effective way to prevent fleas and ticks is to use a monthly preventative that is recommended by your vet. Types of preventatives to choose from include topical treatments, oral chews and collars. Every dog is different with prevention, so make sure to talk with your vet to find out which one is the best fit for your pup.
Your first line of defense for fleas and ticks begins with your backyard. Check out our 5 tips for creating a less friendly environment for unwanted insects around your house this flea and tick season.
Keep all bushes, trees and lawns well-kept; mow often, don’t let weeds build up and trim your bushes so there isn’t a lot of overgrowth. This will decrease places for the fleas and ticks to hangout in.
Provide a buffer between your yard and any wooded area. Make sure there is a clear boundary for your pet so you can teach them to stay out of the wooded area as well as keep weeds, overgrown shrubs and pests at a safe enough boundary away from your pets and lawn.
Make sure that all garbage areas are tightly sealed and clean. Open containers encourage wild animals to come to your yard, which also encourages the fleas and ticks as they like to hitch a ride on wild animals.
Bird feeders and birdbaths attract both fleas and ticks, so make sure you place them well away from any areas that your pet frequents.
Be aware of dark patches of mulch and lawn, wood piles, leaf piles, crawl spaces and other protected areas that can be warm, shady and moist areas. Fleas love these spaces and wait to hitch a ride onto your pet to get indoors.
Being on the offensive when it comes to flea and tick season can be your best defensive strategy against these pests. Remember to always consult your veterinarian before giving your pup any type of medication and always do your research before spraying any type of outdoor spray on your yard. Enjoying the outdoors with your dog can be a great way to bond as long as they have protection against the nuisances that live out there.
Looking for a way to let your furry friend enjoy even more time outside? Going Mutts Pet Services has the solution: daily dog walks and playtime! If you’re feeling overwhelmed and a little guilty for not being able to get your favorite companion outside, let us help. Going Mutts Pet Services offers daily dog walks, dog and cat check-ins, playtime and lots of belly rubs! Contact us today to see how we can help customize playtime for your dog.
Sources:
https://www.metlifepetinsurance.com/blog/pet-health/how-to-prepare-your-dog-for-tick-season/