How to Prepare for Flea and Tick Season
Fleas and ticks can be a problem for pets all year long in Redondo Beach, CA, but they’re especially active during the spring and summer months. So, it’s important to make sure your dog or cat is adequately protected from parasites and all the dangerous diseases they carry.
5 Tips to Prepare for Flea and Tick Season
1. Get a Safe and Effective Parasite Preventative
Flea and tick preventatives come in oral tablets, topical ointments, and collars. They’re formulated specifically for the species and size of pets and should not be mixed and matched because they can be toxic to the wrong species. If you have both dogs and cats (or small children) in your household, ask our veterinarian for a recommendation that will be safe and effective for your whole family.
2. Put Prevention on the Calendar
Most flea and tick preventatives need to be administered or applied every one to three months, depending on the formulation. Take a close look at your preventative’s instructions and mark your pet’s next application on the calendar to ensure he or
3. Clean Up Your Yard
Fleas and ticks thrive in brushy areas and also tend to congregate around bird feeders and birdbaths. Make sure your yard and other areas where your pet frequents (like an outdoor pet house) are clear of debris. It’s also smart to eliminate any standing water where mosquitoes can breed.
4. Avoid Flea and Tick Habitats
Instead of walking your dog through brushy trails or heavily wooded areas, hit the beach or stick to the sidewalks where they will be less likely to pick up parasites. If you do take a splash in the ocean, be sure to rinse all the saltwater and sand from your dog’s coat to avoid skin irritation.
5. Check Your Pet
After coming back from a romp in the grass or a hike in the woods, check your pet over for ticks. Don’t forget to check their ears, nose, tails, and between their toes.
Don't Forget to Protect Your Pets From Heartworm Disease, Too!
Flea and tick season is also mosquito season. If you have yet to safeguard your pet from heartworm disease, we strongly encourage you to schedule an appointment at Pacific Animal Hospital for a heartworm screening and the administration of an effective parasite preventative. To learn more or make an appointment for your cat or dog, contact our Redondo Beach veterinarian today.
