Discussing How And Why You Should Protect Your Pets From Nasty Bugs
As the weather gets nicer during the spring, summer, and fall seasons, your pets (typically cats and dogs) will have the burning desire to experience the great outdoors. However, being outdoors also has its drawbacks as our pets are subjected to both fleas and ticks while outside. While the fresh air, warm sunshine, and the myriad of smells all entice our furry friends outside, it’s important that we keep them safe and well protected both indoors and outdoors. This article will cover why you should have your pet treated for fleas and ticks, the different types of treatments, and what we feel is the best brand of flea and tick treatment. Keep reading to learn more!
The Importance Of Treatment
Having your dog or cat treated for fleas and ticks is important because both fleas and ticks pose a serious threat to your pet’s health and well being. Fleas are both itchy and annoying to your pet which will cause them to scratch excessively with little relief. This excessive scratching can lead to irritated skin, hair loss, and skin infections which will leave your pet feeling overall uncomfortable. Fleas are also known to spread various diseases such as flea-borne (murine) typhus. Ticks are an even worse nuisance because they feed on the blood of their host and can potentially spread blood-borne illnesses. Some of these blood-borne illnesses include Lyme Disease, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Most of these illnesses have severe side effects and can cause serious health complications for both you and your pets. Don’t put your pets’ health at risk! Take preventive measures by using flea and tick treatment on your furry friends to keep them safe and happy. To learn more about other seasonal changes that your pets go through, check out our previous article Season Change & Pets.
Different Types Of Treatment
There are currently seven different methods of flea and tick treatment on the market for your dog or cat. These seven types of treatment include topical medications, oral medications, powders, sprays, shampoos, collars, and dips. Topical medications are the most popular and easily the most convenient when it comes to application. Just a few drops between the shoulder blades and your pet is covered for an entire month. Even if your pet likes to swim or get wet regularly, the topical medication will continue to work regardless. Oral medications are also convenient as some versions also prevent heartworm disease and various internal parasites such as hookworms or roundworms. While effective, oral medications have been known to cause some side effects including symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and skin irritation. Powders, sprays, and dips are also effective methods for preventing fleas and ticks, but require you to cover your pet’s entire body with the product then let them air dry. These products are effective as long as your pet stays dry afterwards, but can also cause various side effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, and lack of appetite. Flea and tick shampoos are good for removing adult fleas and their eggs from your pets fur, but they don’t prevent the fleas or ticks from coming back. This is more of a removal treatment than a preventative treatment. Lastly flea and tick collars use a chemical called pyrethrin that helps repel fleas from taking up residence on your pet’s body. These collars are relatively inexpensive, but can smell very strong and be overall irritating to your pet. With all of these different options, it can be difficult to choose which one to use for your pet. Check out our personal recommendations to better understand which product is best for your pet.
Our Personal Recommendations
There are so many different methods of flea and tick prevention on the market, it can be difficult to choose which one. Although we are not veterinarians or pet related medical professionals, we have been working with pets for many years and have found (through experience) that some products work better than others. We suggest using topical treatments due to their convenience and minimal side effects. As for brands, K9 Advantix has always been a personal favorite of ours regarding topical treatments. Flea and tick collars are also convenient and effective if changed regularly. We personally recommend the Seresto brand as they are both reliable and safe for your pets. There are plenty of other brands and types of treatments, but these are just our personal recommendations. Every pet is different and will react differently to various medications. You know your pet better than anyone and you should always do what’s in your pets’ best interest.
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