Flea and tick troubles can present a host of complications for household pets. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, flea allergy dermatitis, and Lyme disease are a few of the bad results due to fleas and ticks. Prevention and early detection are the best methods of dealing with the problem.
Many options are available today to help pet lovers make their pets healthier and more comfortable. Some flea and tick treatments are best used in combinations depending on your local conditions. Some items may not be safe to use on both cats and dogs, so check before using any product. A veterinarian is an expert in these topics and will provide valuable assistance in diagnosing and treating any flea and tick related problems.
Monthly flea and tick treatments, flea and tick collars, and flea and tick shampoos and sprays make up the options for indoor control. Outdoor areas should also have some sort of yard tick control to provide a barrier where pets may roam.
Monthly Flea and Tick Treatments
Oral and topical prevention provide an ongoing defense to keep fleas and ticks away. Some options are Frontline Plus, K9 Advantix, and ProMeris for topical solutions, and for flea only problems oral products like Program are available. Pet owners may find one product works better than the other for their location. Some topical treatments can be washed off during a shampoo, so take that into consideration when planning a treatment program.
Flea & Tick Collars
Collars like Preventic, provide longer protection times, usually around three months. Flea and tick collars can be used in conjunction with a monthly treatment program to provide additional protection.
Flea & Tick Shampoo and Spray
Animals that have visible fleas and ticks should be treated quickly to prevent tick-borne diseases or flea allergy dermatitis. Shampoo the animal and remove any visible fleas or ticks. Spray the animal's environment with an indoor flea and tick control product. Pest control companies also provide services for fleas and ticks.
Flea and Tick Treatment
Evaluate what problem areas already exist. If there are no fleas and ticks indoors, starting on a monthly flea and tick product will have a good chance of preventing them in the future. If there is already a problem, the affected areas will have to be treated first and in conjunction with a monthly product or collar. Visit a veterinarian and with pest control specialists to develop a plan of action and enjoy a pest free household that is a great home for pets.
Wayne Roberts - Wayne Roberts enjoys gardening, antique tractors, antique trucks, fishing, hunting, and scuba diving.
