How To Protect Your Pets Against Ticks & Fleas

March opens up the doors to some nasty little parasites. That love nothing more than the delicate skin that hides beneath our pet’s fluffy coats. 

With temperatures rising it doesn’t take much to encourage these little critters. 

A lot of people think ticks have the ability to fly or jump. Making it easier for them to attach themselves to their pets. Fortunately, this is not the case, instead. They wait in areas with lots of wildlife, tall grass, or woodlands. Then climb or drop onto your pet’s fur when they pass by. 

Although there is no permanent solution to stop your pet from getting ticks. There are many ways in which you can help them avoid the risk of being infected. 

As most pet parents know, our little pooches love forest walks and big green fields. With this in mind, a lot of us will venture to areas we know will get their tails wagging. Because let’s face it, nothing beats the look of a happy dog. 

Before You Venture Out. Why Not Take Some Precautions To Keep You And Your Pet Safe From Ticks & Fleas. 

MSD Animal Health has a map of the UK on their website with highlighted counties. That are higher risk to those that have either no date reported or lower risks of ticks. This is a great tool to check if you are taking your pet on holiday within the UK. Or even if you want to check your local area to see when it is best to take precautions. Your local vet should also be able to inform you about your local area and the steps they would advise you to take. 

Wearing light coloured clothes can help you spot ticks that might fall onto you. Along with regular checks on both yourself and your pet when out walking. Ticks like to hide on the warmer areas of your pet such as the head, ears, armpits, groin, and tummy. 

In one of our earlier podcasts we had a guest speaker Katie Owen who mentioned taking a ‘doggy first aid kit’, we think this is a great idea. You can buy pre-made kits or put together your own and tailor it to your pet’s needs. One of the tools she mentioned was a tick remover which is specifically designed for the safe and complete removal of ticks. 

Some Of The Common Mistakes People Make When Removing Ticks Are: 

Tweezers, people often use tweezers to remove ticks from their pets, unfortunately using a regular tweezer won’t have the same result as one that is specifically designed for your pet. The majority of the time a tick will end up getting squashed or parts of the tick will still be left inside your pet which could lead to infection.

Pulling, crushing, or squeezing the tick, again could leave parts of the critter’s body inside your pet and/ or cause you to get infected if the tick is carrying an infectious disease. 

Burning a tick off is probably one of the worst ways in which you can remove a tick. Applying heat can increase the tick’s saliva production and the risk of any potential disease it may be carrying. 

Nail polish or petroleum jelly, yes this may eventually suffocate the tick but not before the damage is done. A tick only needs between three to fifteen breaths per hour which will give it plenty of time to transmit and infect. 

As Well As Using A Tick Remover, There Are Some Brilliant Highly Effective Treatments To Help Aid Your Pet During This Season. 

Frontline has a selection of spot-on products which if used ahead of time are great at preventing ticks. They can also be used if your pet has been infected eliminating those awful little critters nesting in your pet’s skin. 

Frontline spot on doesn’t just tackle ticks, it can eradicate both fleas and lice which can also make your pet uncomfortable and miserable. This works for both cats and dogs from as early as eight weeks depending on the package.  

Bob Martin is another brilliant brand that can help put a stop to those little critters. Like Frontline this brand also has an effective spot-on treatment for cats and smaller animals such as rabbits, hamsters, and guinea pigs,  as well as a spray for your pet and home. 

VETIQ is the perfect treatment if you prefer to avoid chemicals. It is a fantastic natural deterrent for both fleas and ticks keeping your pet’s coat glossy and skin healthy. 

Discuss With A Vet If Needed

Like humans, each animal is unique and how they might react to treatment will vary, discussing with your local veterinarian would be a good idea as they will have a better understanding of your pet’s needs, taking into consideration its breed, weight, and age. Quite often the manufacturer can also answer any concerns about their product and how it may or may not suit your pet. 

If the product is for dogs then don’t use it on any other animal unless the product allows. 

If this is your first time applying any medication to your pet then you should keep a close eye on them in case they are sensitive to any of the ingredients. 

Ticks will often drop off their host when they are engorged but have been known to stay on their host for up to three years if not detected. 

What About Cats?

Unlike dogs, cats that are let outside are often out all year round and whenever it pleases them. Remembering to check them each time they come in from their adventures is something that can be forgotten very easily. So trying to get into the habit during the warmer months is crucial. Especially if you live in an area with lots of greenery or properties that may have vegetable gardens, compost piles, bird feeders, stone walls or children’s outdoor toys/equipment. 

Ticks aren’t the only parasite you need to be aware of during the warmer months. Like ticks, fleas also enjoy the warmth of the skin beneath your pet’s fur and can live between fourteen days to a year. Unlike ticks, fleas can jump, and jump very high at a fast speed, making it easier for them to find a host. 

Not only will a flea make your pet uncomfortable but their saliva can cause allergic reactions. Fleas have also been known to pass on diseases. Such as lyme disease and myxomatosis which is a serious disease found in rabbits.

The flea itself isn’t the only thing to look out for. If their larvae are infected with tapeworm and your pet ingests any when grooming. Then they can become a host to this parasite. To avoid this make sure your pet is treated for worms. 

A brilliant tip from the RSPCA, if you suspect your pet may have fleas. Comb them using a fine pet comb held over a white surface area. If there are any fleas or their droppings hiding amongst your pet’s fur they will fall onto the surface.

Some Signs To Look Out For If You Suspect Your Pet Has Fleas.

Scratching, if your pet is scratching more often than usual. 

Redness, irritation, scars or spots on their skin could mean something is or has been feeding on your pet. 

Have you noticed any hair loss, are there any bald patches? 

Small black insects on their fur or in your environment or any sudden bite marks on your ankles, arms, or legs. 

Ways to avoid a flea infestation. Make sure you groom your pet on a regular basis, this will help you keep an eye out for any nasty parasites. It will also help to improve your pet’s circulation whilst building on your bond so it’s a win-win really. 

Don’t Put Off Getting Them Treated, The Sooner You Do The Better, Reducing Their Time To Infect Your Pet And Home.

Change all bedding, soft furnishings and wash all clothes that have made contact with infected pets. Because fleas have a habit of clinging onto fabrics and laying their eggs. Make sure to vacuum areas, even the nooks, and crannies you thought weren’t possible to hide. Once you have vacuumed, empty all the contents and throw away the dust bag. This stops any fleas from getting back into your home. 

If you have followed the steps above and are still seeing fleas on your pet and in your home then it might be an idea to use a flea fogger or flea bomb. They fill the room with insecticidal smoke which distributes evenly through the room eradicating any fleas insight. These are safe to use but it is advised to remove any animals including fish and keep many people away from the area being treated. Making the area as smoke-tight as possible. 

If following the advice above hasn’t helped with your pet’s tick or flea problem. Then it might be worth contacting your local vet. Sometimes a second round of blitzing the home might help. As the sprays and foggers can sometimes miss the odd parasite and their eggs. 

Once your home feels free from all ticks and fleas. It would be advised to keep on top of their treatment and to keep up with your pet checks.