Canine & Feline Tick Prevention
The warmer weather is slowly but surely approaching, and you know what that means, tick season! Unfortunately, while we are happily enjoying the sunshine and beautiful temperatures after a long winter, so are the ticks, and not only are they loving the weather, but they’re loving our pets too. Being creepy and crawly isn’t the only specialty these little insects have; they can also be incredibly dangerous to your pet’s health. With that fact in mind, it’s very important to take all the necessary precautions in order prevent ticks on your canines and felines.
Do Regular Tick Checks: This is the most simple and probably most obvious precaution for pet tick prevention, but also one of the most helpful. If you and your pet live in a prime location for ticks, or have traveled to an area that is, it’s important to check for the insects as soon as you’re indoors again. Because ticks enjoy warm, dark areas, pay special attention to your pet’s ears and armpits, as well as the rest of the skin under their fur. It takes 24 hours for deer ticks to transmit the pathogen that causes Lyme disease, so regular tick checks after outdoor activities are by far best way to prevent transmission.
Year-Round Preventive Products: In addition to regular tick checks, many vets recommend year-round preventive products to prevent ticks from latching on to your pet in the first place. Why? Because although ticks thrive in warmer weather, they can sometimes survive indoors during the colder months, leaving your pets at risk. By consulting with your vet to determine which preventive product best suits your pet’s needs and using this product year round, you can effectively protect your pet no matter how many ticks are out and about.
Regular Grooming and Checkup Sessions: Grooming helps your pet look good, smell good, and feel good, but it also helps you and/or your groomer keep an eye out for any lingering ticks. Brushing your pet may also help to remove any ticks that haven’t yet latched on, allowing you to further prevent the possibility of Lyme disease. Adding regular veterinary checkups to your pet’s routine as well helps to detect and identify any additional tick-caused issues.
