Protect Your Pet from Fleas and Ticks

Ticks and fleas are annoying and cause many problems, but they can also spread dangerous diseases to people and animals alike. Even worse, once an infestation starts, it can take weeks or even months to fully clean up.

Fortunately, there are multiple steps you can take to prevent flea and tick infestations, and most of them don’t even cost any money!

7 Ways to Prevent Flea and Tick Infestations

Clean Up the Yard

Ticks frequently inhabit overgrown grasses and shrubs because it offers them a place to hide and easy access to food and water. Get in the habit of regularly pruning your landscape and cutting your grass weekly, especially during summer when plants tend to grow faster.

Fleas will hide in piles of fallen leaves and rotting vegetation. Avoid attracting them to your property by making sure to clean up dead leaves and any trimmings from your yard work.

Flea and Tick Treatment for Pets

Fleas and tick repellants and treatments are available by prescription and over-the-counter for your furry friends. Be sure to speak to your veterinarian to determine which treatment is the right choice for your and your pet’s needs. Keep in mind that over-the-counter solutions may be more accessible and cheaper, but prescription options typically work more effectively.

Vacuum and Clean Upholstery Regularly

Flea eggs can remain dormant in carpeting or on textiles for a long time before finally hatching during warm weather. Routinely washing linens and throws and vacuuming your floors, throw pillows, and upholstery can reduce the risk that fleas will hatch in your home. Flea eggs can survive inside your vacuum, so make sure to carefully seal up and throw out whatever your vacuum sucks up.

Stick to the Trail

You’re extremely likely to pick up some unwanted hitchhikers if you leave the trail to go exploring through brush and tall grass. That’s prime tick territory. If you’re hiking with your dog, keep them on a close lead so that they’ll stay on the path with you, and after the hike, inspect their entire body closely for ticks, especially in areas such as their head and inside their ears.

Dress Appropriately

Ever wonder why serious hikers are always wearing pants? Shorts might seem like the more comfortable option during summer, but legs covered in flea and tick bites will definitely change your mind. Unless you’re hiking in a completely open area away from brush and tall grass, opt for breathable pants to protect your body while maintaining comfort.

Keep Toys, Beds, and Other Pet Accessories Clean

Buying a washable pet bed is a great way to ensure that you can kill any fleas or other pests that might be living in it. The same goes for your pet’s crate or carrier. Even if your home doesn’t contain any ticks or fleas, it’s possible to pick up these pests on a trip to the vet’s office from someone else’s pet.

Discourage Wildlife Around Your Home

Even if your home has been free of ticks and fleas for years, these pests can be introduced to your property by stray animals and wildlife, such as deer, raccoons, skunks, and rodents. For this reason, it’s best to prevent these animals from coming to your property.

Some simple ways to prevent wildlife from approaching your home include:

• Keeping pet food and water indoors
• Covering the pool or any ponds on your property at night
• Taking out the trash and keeping the lids closed tightly on your trash cans
• Eliminating a rodent infestation