FLEAS & TICKS

Prevention-

• Check your pet for bugs after each outing.
• If you have cause for concern prior to going on an outdoor adventure, safeguard against bugs by using (preferably natural ingredient-based) repellents.
• Double check with your veterinarian before using any products, especially on young pets (puppies, kittens, etc.).

Prevention is key, but if it’s too late and your pet has fleas or ticks here’s some information on how to find and get rid of those pesky bugs. If in doubt, always consult your veterinarian or groomer.

Fleas-

• Flea shampoo containing citrus oil or pyrethrum is effective and less harsh than chemicals in most flea shampoos. Carefully read the directions on the product package.
• Don’t forget to treat the inside of your home for fleas by steam cleaning carpets, using homemade flea traps (see instructions below), and consider using chemicals like Precor.
• How to make a homemade flea trap:
  1. Lay a white towel or butcher paper on a flat surface (a table or the ground works well) underneath a light source.
  2. Fill a wide shallow pan or bowl with water and several drops of dish soap and place this on the white towel or paper underneath the light source.
  3. This will attract the fleas and they will consequently die after ingesting the soap-laced water in or around the bowl. The white towel or paper helps you to see the fleas better.

Some flea factoids:

• Fleas do not like the taste or smell of apple cider vinegar so try rinsing your pet’s fur with it.
• Effective products: Frontline, K9 Advantix, or ask your veterinarian for their recommendations.
• Fleas have a life span of 4 weeks.

Ticks-

• Use a tick scoop to remove any ticks you may find making sure you remove the entire tick by grasping them firmly by the head. They have a tendency to burrow their heads into the animal.
• Liquid soap will coax the tick to release its jaws from your pet’s skin. Apply the soap using a cotton ball and hold it on the tick until it releases itself. Do not yank or pull the tick off your pet.
• Properly dispose of the ticks by flushing them down the toilet.

Important note: If you notice that your pet is behaving oddly after having used flea or tick-related products, consult your veterinarian immediately. A word to the wise regarding any pet product use: Treat your pet just as you would like to be treated and fully understand how to use pet products before you actually use them.