Summer Pet Care - Flea & Tick Prevention

It’s finally time for some fun in the sun with our animal companions. The Pioneer Valley is an optimal location for walks in the forest, mountain hikes, and the occasional splash into a cool lake. Unfortunately, those high temps and sunshine also bring around parasites that can carry serious illnesses. You can decrease your pet’s risk of discomfort and contracting disease with preventative medication.

Fleas

Nobody likes fleas! They multiply rapidly, cause humans and pets discomfort, and take diligence to get rid of. Seresto collars are a popular choice for flea prevention. The collar gradually releases a low dose of its active ingredients (imidacloprid and flumethrin). These ingredients are insecticides and kill fleas and larvae. Additional options are topical flea preventatives including Frontline, Advantage, and Revolution. It’s important to discuss any new preventative care with your veterinarian before introducing a collar, oral, or topical medication. Always check your pet’s skin for reactions and irritation.

Ticks

Ticks are members of the arachnid family and become a prominent nuisance during the warmer months. Make a habit of thoroughly checking your pet (and yourself!) for ticks after time outdoors. If a tick is found, remove it promptly. Check out this video on how to remove a tick from your cat or dog. Ticks can carry infectious diseases, so it’s important to watch the area where the tick was removed for signs of infection.

Mosquitoes

These summertime insects don’t just make us itchy, but can pose a serious health risk to your pets. Some mosquitoes can carry heartworm, a serious and potentially fatal disease. Heartworm tends to survive in dogs more often than cats, but both species can contract it. Talk with your veterinarian about heartworm testing and preventative medication.

Preventative care and regular visits to your veterinarian are keys to the health and wellness of your pets, no matter the season.