Along with the cool Fall temps, comes an increase in fleas and ticks. There is a higher risk for your pet to have fleas and ticks in the Fall and Spring more than any other time of year, due to the wet weather and cool temps.
Stay ahead of the game by checking your pet regularly for fleas and ticks. When you come in from the outside, look over your dog for these pests. They can jump on your pet, or even on you, and unknowingly, bring them right into the house. Ticks crawl and fleas jump. You can check your pet by rubbing your hand over his body. Check to see if you feel any bumps, which may indicate a tick. You can purchase a flea comb from any pet store or local grocery store. Gently comb your pet and check the comb for any flea dirt that the comb would pick up.
If you live in a heavily wooded area, try applying outdoor insecticide that will kill ticks. To easily detect ticks on yourself, wear light colored clothing. Spray clothing and exposed skin with insect repellent containing Deet. Remove debris from around your house and yard as debris attracts small animals to make nests and creates flea & tick exposure for your pet. As tempting as it is to jump into that big pile of leaves, think again. There could be fleas and ticks lurking in those leaves…especially the wet ones at the bottom. Vacuum your house regularly (at least once a week), and keep your pet’s bed and toys clean by washing them.
Fleas and ticks are not only harmful to your pet, but they are also harmful to you and your family. Fleas and ticks can transmit diseases such as cat scratch disease, Lyme disease, tapeworms, Rocky mountain spotted fever, and many other diseases from your dog or cat to you.
Ask your veterinarian about flea and tick protection. Depending on where you live, your veterinarian will put your pet on a year-round preventative. Some of the
treatment options include:
Sprays
On-the-spot treatments
Oral medications
Some of these treatments are preventatives, some of them are treatments, and some of them are both. Speak to your veterinarian to determine the best treatment for your pet. Most are not for dogs and cats younger than 6 – 8 weeks old. Cats are very sensitive to some of these medications (dog medications in particular) and may prove toxic to your cat. If getting a product for your cat, you will need to get a product specifically for cats.
So take charge and keep your pet safe this Fall before going out and enjoying the cool, crisp temps! And remember North Jersey Dog Walkers will be happy to help! We serve places like Hillsdale, Oradell, Allendale, Westwood and all of Bergen County, NJ.