Flea and Tick Season

With the mild temperatures we have seen throughout the winter of 2011-2012, fleas and ticks are making an early entrance this year.

A number of veterinarians in the Harford County area have said that they have continued to see fleas and ticks on animals all winter long.  Without temperatures below freezing, ticks and fleas simply don’t hibernate, which means, not only have they already been out, but they have had the whole season to breed, which likely means more of the pests this spring. 

It is time to start flea and tick prevention now!  Don’t wait!  It will save your pet discomfort and trips to the vet’s office. 

Fleas and ticks are external parasites that can cause extreme discomfort and serious illness in pets and people.  Fleas can carry tapeworms and ticks can carry the bacteria that cause Lyme disease.  Fleas can also cause bothersome skin dermatitis which is a severe allergic reaction to flea bites.   

The best way to manage this issue is with prevention.  Ward off fleas and ticks with safe, easy to administer products.  Contact your veterinarian for recommended products.  Never use flea and tick control products intended for dogs on cats and vice versa.  Some medications can be highly toxic and should be used only on the species and weight of animal for which they are intended.   Be sure to follow recommended dosing on package.  Parasite prevention may also require treating your home and yard.

 In addition to keeping your pets out of tick habitats such as heavily wooded areas or tall grass, it is a good idea to make a habit of performing a “tick check” on your pet on a regular basis.

Treat your pets today and have a happy and healthy spring and summer.