Spring is on its way! Ticks, fleas and heartworm are things to really start thinking about again! While ticks can still be found in winter months, they love the Spring weather so time to brush up on your tick facts! Take a trip to the vet to make sure your pet is healthy and up to date on all their shots. You can also have a talk with your vet about tick/flea/heartworm preventative measures you can take.
Despite taking preventative measures, your dog can still be a home to fleas and ticks. If you’ve found your pet has ticks or fleas, there are 2 areas you must consider:
1. Your Pet
If you find a tick, here are the steps you should follow:
- Put on a pair of gloves (ticks can transmit diseases to people too) and clean a pointed pair of tweezers.
- Gently grasp the tick as close to your dog’s skin as possible. Twist it a bit in a clockwise motion then pull outward slowly. It’s essential to make sure that you get all of the tick as any part left in a dog can lead to an infection.
- Put the tick in a ziplock. Crush it and store it in case your dog shows signs of illness. If they do show symptoms, having the tick could be beneficial to a veterinarian as they can test the tick for what disease it carried.
If you find fleas on your pet, follow these steps:
- Bathe your pet with flea and tick shampoo.
- Use a topical treatment to affected areas.
- Give your pet veterinarian approved medication that is safe for your pet.
2. Your Home
This can be a bit exhausting, but your home needs a good clean (or two or three) now!
-Vacuum your home to remove any eggs/larvae
-Wash all bedding (this can include your dog’s bed, your bed, or any spot they like to sleep)
-Treat your yard with a nontoxic flea treatment.
