Helpful Tips for Pet Owners to Prevent Fleas and Ticks

It’s officially summer and everyone, including our pets, will be spending more time outside soaking up the sunshine. Just like us, pets are at risk for attracting fleas and ticks when outdoors, which can pose some serious health risks. It is estimated that over 70 million dogs and cats suffer from flea or tick infestations every year. So, as the weather heats up, it’s important to educate yourself about dealing with these pests to ensure your four-legged friends don’t end up with an infestation.

Dogs and cats mostly become infested with fleas through contact with other animals or simply by spending time outside. Most pets experience itching from fleas, but some sensitive animals can have more severe reactions such as hair loss, inflammation and secondary skin infections. Flea saliva can also cause anemia, dermatitis, and facilitate the transfer of tapeworms. Fleas are easily able to hitchhike into homes while hidden in the fur of family pets. Once inside, fleas quickly multiply and infest bedding, carpet, and furniture.

Whether in your own backyard or hiking in the woods, people and pets are likely to encounter bloodthirsty ticks during the warmer months. Ticks pose a number of health threats as they can transmit serious diseases such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis and “tick paralysis” among others. While some symptoms can surface immediately after a tick bite, others can be difficult to recognize and many owners may not even realize their pet is sick until the symptoms become severe and significant treatment is needed.

Here are some helpful tips to keep you and your pets safe from fleas and ticks this summer:

• Check pets frequently by rubbing your hands through their coat to check for any signs of fleas and ticks.
• Watch pets for excessive scratching and licking.
• Keep lawn cut low, including the grass around fence lines, sheds, trees, shrubs, swing sets and other difficult to cut locations.
• Avoid walking dogs in tall grass, where fleas and ticks often hide.
• Frequently wash pet bedding, collars and plush toys.
• Wash bed linens and vacuum carpets, floors and furniture frequently.
• Use household sprays, carpet powders or foggers to kill fleas and their eggs that may already be in the home.
• Spray the yard and treat around the home’s foundation to kill any potential flea populations.

If you suspect that your yard has a flea or tick infestation, then contact the licensed professionals at Emtec Pest Control immediately. We equip our service trucks with spray rigs that can hold up to 100 gallons of finished product. This enables our technicians to efficiently treat your lawn, without having to stop to borrow your water faucet and refill their tank every few minutes. Call Emtec today for a free quote!