If you’re wondering when fleas are most active in your area of the country, the Weather Channel has created a neat little program that will help you plan. Just type in your zip code to find the times your area will be most active.
For those of us in areas of year-round activity, it’s important to take some precautions to prepare your pet and your home. We have taken a look at some natural and manufactured alternatives that will help you have a safe, happy, non-itchy pet this season…
[note icon=”yes”]We may have received product samples from one or more of the companies mentioned above, however our opinions are our own and we are under no obligation to create a positive review or article. We do our best to use affiliate links when possible.[/note]
[heading style=”2″ color=”#006666″ style_color=”#006666″]Bathing Your Pet[/heading]
[heading style=”2″ color=”#006666″ style_color=”#006666″]Combing Your Pet[/heading]
Combing through your pets fur each day is a great way to identify a problem before you have one. Spring’s essential tool will be the flea comb and Miracle Coat
Grooming is very important at this time of year. Mats can provide a perfect nesting area for pests and you want to avoid them. Since elderly animals have a tough time grooming themselves, you’ll want to make sure you brush and bathe them regularly.
Our favorite method of tick removal is to use Tick-SR
Once you have removed the tick, it’s a really good idea to see if your pet has been exposed to anything. The new Marshall Tick Releaser Spray and Mail-In Test Kit
[heading style=”2″ color=”#006666″ style_color=”#006666″]When Natural Doesn’t Work[/heading]
When treating the youngsters (puppies and kittens), we make sure that we never spray directly on the animal – instead, spray onto a towel and then lightly place loosely on the kitten or puppy for a few seconds. Young animals are highly sensitive to flea and tick sprays, collars, and other means of pest control. Be very cautious about treating them and always work with less harsh methods first.
We really like the technology that’s gone into developing this product. The unique polymer matrix provides a dose of two proven active ingredients: imidacloprid and acaricide flumethrin. Since you only have to replace it once every 8 months, you won’t have to worry about accidental overdose or forgetting to change out the collar. It can be worn by both dogs and cats (but be sure you get the collar specifically designed for your pet!) and it works by moving the dosage through the lipid layer of skin.
Other control methods include topical applications and in this case, we recommend the proven methods of K9 Advantix II
Others methods of flea and tick control focuses on internal care. While there are several natural methods of control (most of which include garlic which “Could Be” very difficult for pets to tolerate, we hesitate to get into them. Always check with your veterinarian on safe natural methods of control or, if necessary, on other methods of control. Remember, not everything is toxic to every pet. Some animals have lower and higher tolerances. What works for one pet could easily injure another pet. Research everything, utilize solid common sense, and never take one person’s word on any topic.
As always, keep a close eye on your pet for any reaction (whether you select a natural or manufactured solution) – particularly during the first few days. If you dog or cat shows any sign of distress, hair loss, excessive drooling, or other symptoms that are unusual, immediately discontinue use and take your pet to the veterinarian THAT day.
Some animals just don’t do well with any type of flea or tick medication, so watch them carefully and never use more than one form of protection at a time.