Ticked Off? Protecting Your Pet From Parasites

Have you ever found a tick on yourself, perhaps after coming back from a hike or an excursion into the woods? Yuck! With tick populations on the rise, this is one area where you just can’t be too careful. Ticks can carry dangerous diseases, such as Lyme, which both people and pets can contract. In this article from Arapahoe Animal Hospital, your Boulder, CO vet clinic, serving Louisville and surrounding areas, a local vet offers some tips on how to keep your pet safe from parasites.

 Parasite Control

No surprises here: the best way to keep your beloved dog or cat safe from horrible parasites is simply to keep up on their parasite prevention products. There are quite a few options to pick from these days, including oral medications, sprays, and collars. These all have their own pros and cons, so talk to your vet to determine which will work best for you and your pet. Be sure to give your furry pal their next dose on time!

Landscaping

While there’s no way to endure that not a single flea or tick will invite themselves over to your place, there are things you can do to make your house less inviting to them. Keeping your lawn mowed can help quite a bit. Ticks and fleas often prefer to lurk in long grass. We also recommend picking up fallen produce from gardens and/or fruit trees, and not putting birdfeeders and shrubs too close to the house.

Tick Checks

This one mostly applies to dogs, as we recommend keeping cats indoors. However, if Fluffy is allowed to roam, you’ll need to check her too. Look under your pet’s collar and between their toes. If you do find a tick, use tweezers or a tick puller to remove it. Be sure to get the whole thing! If the tick breaks, it may leave a few parts embedded in your pet’s skin. This can cause painful—and potentially dangerous—infections.

Other Products

If your property is getting invaded, you may want to reach out to a pest control company. The peace of mind may be well worth the extra expense. Just go with one that uses environmentally-safe options.

Is your pet due for vaccinations, an exam, and/or parasite control? Contact us here at Arapahoe Animal Hospital, your Boulder, CO vet clinic, serving Louisville and surrounding areas, today!