~ Tania Sigurdson, PVHS Education Chair
As the snow melts, the temperature rises, and the sun stays out longer, pet owners often find themselves embracing outdoor activities with their pets. However, along with the joys of spring come the challenges of tick and flea season. These tiny pests can risk your pets’ health and comfort and ruin their spring fun. The best defence is a good offence. This article focuses on taking charge and getting in front of the problem with some suggestions on proactive measures you can take to protect your pets both inside your home and in your yard.
Ticks and fleas thrive in warm, moist environments and are commonly found in grassy areas, shrubs, and wooded regions. As pets explore these outdoor spaces, they can easily pick up ticks and fleas, leading to infestations that not only cause discomfort but also pose health risks.
Ticks are known carriers of various diseases, including Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, among others. Fleas, on the other hand, can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and transmit tapeworms. Therefore, protecting your pets from these pests is essential for their overall well-being.
So what can you do?
- Make sure you are regularly grooming your pets brushing and checking for any signs of ticks or fleas. Look especially behind their ears, under their legs and around their tails.
- Regularly vacuum your home focusing on carpets, rugs and upholstered furniture where fleas and ticks can lay eggs.
- Wash your pets bedding and toys frequently in hot water to eliminate any existing infestations.
- Keep your lawn mowed and your bushes trimmed.
- After going for a walk with your pet, inspect them for ticks and fleas right away. If you spot any parasites, remove them using fine-tipped tweezers, grabbing the tick or flea close to the skin to make sure you get the entire parasite. Monitor your pets for discomfort or illness.
- As always, talk to your vet about options to protect your pets and meet your specific pet’s needs.
For further information, feel free to check out one of these websites:
https://cahi-icsa.ca/parasite-control; www.avma.org; www.humanesociety.org; www.wsava.org
Last modified: April 6, 2024
