Fleas and ticks are more than an itchy nuisance. They can cause skin infections, anemia and tapeworms, and ticks can transmit serious illnesses such as Lyme disease and ehrlichiosis. A consistent prevention routine is far easier than treating an infestation.
Why Prevention Beats Treatment
A single female flea can lay dozens of eggs a day. Most of the flea population, including eggs, larvae and pupae, lives in your home environment rather than on your pet. By the time you see fleas on your dog or cat, carpets, bedding and furniture are often already affected.
Choosing a Preventive
Options include monthly topical treatments, chewable tablets, long-acting collars and sprays. The right product depends on your pet’s species, weight, age and health. Never use a dog product on a cat unless the label says it is safe, because some ingredients, such as permethrin, are highly toxic to cats.
Checking for Ticks
- Run your hands over your pet after walks, paying attention to the ears, neck, armpits, groin and between the toes.
- If you find a tick, grasp it close to the skin with fine-tipped tweezers and pull straight out with steady pressure.
- Clean the bite area and wash your hands, then monitor your pet for fever, lameness or loss of appetite.
Treating the Home
If fleas are present, wash pet bedding in hot water, vacuum frequently and empty the vacuum outside. Treat all pets in the household at the same time and continue treatment for at least three months to break the life cycle.
Year-Round Protection
In many climates fleas can survive indoors through winter, and some ticks are active whenever temperatures are above freezing. Many veterinarians recommend year-round prevention for this reason.
Always ask your veterinarian which product is appropriate for your pet before starting treatment.
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