It’s finally springtime! The sun is shining and the flowers are beginning to bloom. As much as we look forward to the warm weather, fleas and ticks do too. Now is the time to begin prevention to get a jump on these unwanted pests before they jump on your pet. Continue reading for tips and tricks on keeping fleas and ticks away from your pet.

Prevention is key!

When it comes to fleas and ticks, it’s easier to prevent the infestation than treating it. When these pests get ahold of your pet, they can cause skin irritation and diseases with just one bite. The lifecycle of a flea takes about 4 months to complete. Yep, you read that right! The life cycle of a flea includes egg, larva, pupa and then the adult flea.

Ticks can be a bit harder to find on your pet than fleas. Ticks can fluctuate in size depending on the life cycle and feeding. So, it’s important to schedule time in your pet’s daily routine, especially in the warmer months, to investigate their body for these parasites. Ticks can attach anywhere on the body, but typically they prefer dark and hidden areas.

I have an indoor pet. Do I still need to prevent fleas and ticks?

Yes! Whether your pet is inside or outside, they need some type of flea and tick prevention. Luckily, there are several types of prevention:

• Topical. Most topical preventatives not only kill fleas and ticks, but prevent them from getting onto your pet.
• Oral. Chewable tablets are fast-acting and can begin killing parasites within an hour.
• Spray & Shampoo. Sprays can be applied directly on your pet, their bedding and play areas. Shampoos work by coating pests in active ingredients to kill them on contact.
• Premise- Yard/Home. Don’t forget to treat your yard & home! These spaces are where your pet spends most of their time, so it is important to prevent these areas.

For more information on the importance of flea and tick prevention, visit here.