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5 Tips to Keep Your Pet Healthy During Flea and Tick Season

Flea and tick season is among us. These parasites are the most common concerns among pet owners, and, since they thrive in warmer climates, now is the time to start protecting your pet from these pests that can have harmful effects on the health of your pet.


Prevention is key to keeping fleas and ticks off your pet, and, with a few simple steps, is fairly easy to do.


1. Protect Your Pet Year Round

Fortunately, there are effective over-the-counter treatments you can easily apply to your pet to reduce the risk of attracting fleas or ticks. While fleas and ticks are more common during the summer months, they can survive indoors in some climates during the winter. Therefore, protecting your pet year-round reduces the risk of your pet becoming sick because of these parasites.


2. Use the Right Treatment for Your Pet

It’s extremely important to use the correct treatment for your pet. Don’t use flea and tick treatments intended for a dog on a cat and vice versa. Furthermore, use the dosage that is intended for your pet’s size. Be sure to read the packaging carefully to ensure you are using the right treatment for your pet’s weight. It’s always a good idea to talk to your veterinarian before treating your pet.


3. Regularly Groom Your Pet

Grooming your pet by trimming and/or brushing her hair allows you to quickly become aware of fleas or ticks and deal with them quickly.


4. Do Tick Checks

If you’ve been in an area that is likely to contain ticks, be sure to check your pet immediately. Doing so will allow you to find a tick before it can cause too much damage.


5. Maintain Your Pet’s Environment

Ticks love tall grasses. Fleas thrive in warm, shady areas with leaves and yard clippings. Therefore, maintaining your yard by mowing your lawn and removing leaves can help prevent fleas and ticks. Furthermore, if you find that fleas have been introduced into your house be sure to take measure to prevent recurring infestations on your pet.


If fleas and ticks are a big concern for you, be sure to speak with your veterinarian about the best ways to prevent fleas and ticks from your pet.

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