DON’T LET THE FLEAS AND TICKS WIN. This year, be prepared for outdoor pests.
Find out if you’re really ready for flea and tick season.
Ah spring. It’s finally warm enough to take your dog out for the long, leisurely walk he’s been begging for all winter, but you know they’re out there in the grass, lurking. Fleas and ticks are scary, but the even scarier part? According to this study, pet owners aren’t nearly as prepared as they think.
Let’s start with ticks. They’re spreading illness more than ever before—in the past 30 years, cases of Lyme disease have more than tripled. Plus, cases of serious tick-borne diseases like Ehrlichiosis and Anaplasmosis more than doubled over the course of a 13-year study. One factor contributing to all of this is unseasonably warm weather. As long as it’s a little above freezing, ticks are able to come out of hiding and start looking for a new host way before what we consider "flea and tick season" has officially started. Early springs and longer summers also allow them to hatch sooner and feed longer. In fact, it’s important to note that for some areas, tick season may be all year long now. That means you should always be careful with your pet in places where ticks like to hang out, such as tall grass and moist shady spots. Plus, you should also do regular tick checks on your dog or cat, paying attention to their head, neck, feet, ears and groin.
As for fleas, there’s way more to worry about than just itching and scratching. Dangers include flea allergy dermatitis, tapeworms, hair loss due to scratching, and hot spots. In large numbers, fleas can even cause anemia from blood loss and possibly death (this is especially a risk for puppies and kittens). Unfortunately, getting fleas is incredibly easy. Like ticks, they hide in tall grass and wooded areas. But because fleas can jump so high, even the most casual contact with an animal or place that’s infested can lead to your pet getting them as well. The worst part is that they’re relentless, biting your pet up to 400 times a day and laying 40-50 eggs per day.
So what can you do, aside from only letting your pet outside in a protective little bubble? We have everything from supplements to natural and conventional flea and tick treatments. Supplements add a layer of protection to go with any topical flea and tick treatment. Essential oil products are highly effective when used properly according to packaging instructions. If you live in a high-risk flea and tick area, a conventional treatment may be your best option. Once again, make sure to follow the instructions on the package exactly. With tiny little bloodsuckers, there’s no such thing as being too careful.
FLEA AND TICK PROTECTION CHOICES
- Applied directly on the skin between the shoulder blades to spread over the surface of the skin over time
- As it spreads, provides nose-to-tail protection
- Kills fleas and ticks when they bite
- Both conventional and all-natural essential oil options available in store
- Spritzed over your pet’s body, especially their legs, chest and undercarriage
- Easier on sensitive pets than conventional products or more concentrated natural spot-on products
- Repels better than spot-on products, but may not kill fleas and ticks
- Can be used alone, or layer herbal (but not conventional) sprays as an extra layer of protection
- Wears off faster than spot-on products, so apply more frequently
- Both conventional and all-natural essential oil options available in store
- Herbal options can be used in addition to other protection
- Conventional options available as standalone protection
- Essential oil-infused options repel pests naturally
No matter which product you choose, always follow the instructions on the packaging, and never use dog products on cats or vice versa. And before you get started, don’t forget to talk to your vet — different pets can have different reactions.
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TICK REMOVAL
Find a tick on your pet? Don’t panic.
1. Spread your pet's fur and grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible with the tweezers.
2. Gently pull upward in a slow, steady motion.
3. Keep the tick in isopropyl alcohol and note the date of removal.
4. Clean the area with rubbing alcohol and monitor your pet for signs of infection.
If symptoms like arthritis, fatigue, swelling, loss of appetite, neurological issues or skin infection and irritation occurs, contact your veterinarian. They may want to test the tick itself.