Summer means fun, sun, and outdoor adventures for your pet, but it also brings the risk of pesky bugs and parasites like fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. These tiny invaders can cause a lot of discomfort for your pet and even lead to serious health issues, like Lyme disease or heartworm. That’s why keeping them protected during the warmer months is so important—prevention is key to ensuring your pet stays happy, healthy, and itch-free all season long!
Flea Prevention
Why Fleas Are a Problem
Fleas are more than just a nuisance—they can make your pet miserable! These tiny pests bite your pet, causing itching, discomfort, and sometimes even hair loss. But the real danger is that fleas can carry diseases and lead to more serious health issues like anemia or tapeworms. Not to mention, once they’re on your pet, they can quickly spread to your home, turning your cozy space into a flea haven.
Prevention Tips:
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Flea Treatments: The best way to keep fleas at bay is with regular flea treatments. Whether it's a topical solution, oral medication, or a flea collar, pick the one that works best for your pet. Ask your vet for recommendations on the most effective options.
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Clean, Clean, Clean: Keeping your pet’s environment flea-free is key. Wash their bedding regularly in hot water, vacuum your home frequently (especially areas where your pet spends a lot of time), and clean any furniture your pet loves to hang out on. Fleas love to hide in carpets and upholstery, so don't forget to treat these spots too!
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Avoid Flea Hotspots: Fleas thrive in certain places, like tall grass, wooded areas, and spots where other animals frequent. Try to steer clear of these flea-prone areas, especially during the warmer months when fleas are most active. If your pet loves outdoor adventures, make sure they’re on flea protection beforehand.
Tick Prevention
Why Ticks Are Dangerous
Ticks might seem small, but they can cause big problems for your pet. These little bloodsuckers are not just annoying—they can carry serious diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, which can be dangerous if not caught early. Since ticks love to hide in your pet’s fur, it’s easy for them to go unnoticed until it’s too late. So, keeping them off your pet is a must.
Prevention Tips:
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Tick Preventatives: The most effective way to protect your pet is by using tick preventatives. Whether it's a topical treatment, a tick collar, or an oral medication, make sure you're staying on top of it. Talk to your vet about the best options for your pet’s lifestyle—especially if they love hiking or spending time outdoors.
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Check for Ticks: After a walk, hike, or any outdoor adventure, make it a habit to check your pet for ticks. Ticks love to latch onto areas like the ears, neck, and underbelly, so give those spots a little extra attention. The sooner you spot a tick, the easier it is to remove it before any harm is done.
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Yard Maintenance: Ticks love tall grass, brush, and wooded areas, so keeping your yard tidy is an easy way to reduce their presence. Trim back overgrown areas, mow your lawn regularly, and clear out any brush where ticks might be lurking. This keeps your outdoor space safe for your pet to enjoy without the worry of picking up ticks.
Mosquito Prevention
Why Mosquitoes Are a Concern
Mosquitoes aren’t just annoying—they can be dangerous for your pet, too. These pesky insects can transmit serious diseases like heartworm, which can lead to severe health issues if not treated. Mosquitoes can bite your pet and introduce larvae into their bloodstream, which then develops into heartworms. So, it’s definitely worth making mosquito protection a priority during the warmer months.
Prevention Tips:
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Use Vet-Approved Mosquito Repellents: Just like we use bug spray, your pets need protection from mosquitoes too. Make sure to use vet-approved mosquito repellents specifically designed for pets. These can help keep mosquitoes at bay while your pet enjoys the outdoors without the risk of bites or disease.
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Avoid Peak Mosquito Activity: Mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk, so try to schedule your pet’s outdoor walks and playtime during other parts of the day. If you’re going to be outside during those peak times, be extra cautious and consider using protective gear for your pet to minimize exposure.
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Keep Your Pet’s Living Area Free of Standing Water: Mosquitoes love to breed in standing water, so keep an eye out for places where water might collect around your pet’s living area. This includes puddles, bird baths, and even water bowls that are left outside for too long. Emptying these regularly can help cut down on the mosquito population and reduce the risk to your pet.
Visit Dr. Jeff Werber’s Instagram account (@werbs_dvm) to view and submit questions and answers on weekly AMAs – or call and leave a voicemail at 424-835-0576. Your call will be returned posthaste. For emergencies, download Dr. Jeff Werber’s app Airvet, a video-chat option for veterinary needs at any time of day or night!