flea & tick information for pet owners

By proofPest
It’s the middle of flea and tick season and many pet owners are wondering how they can protect their beloved furry friends. Fleas and ticks are easily some of the most common pet care concerns for pet owners in America. Not only do fleas and ticks drive our animals crazy by crawling over their skin and latching onto their bodies, but these pests also put our pets at risk. To keep your pets safe from the harmful diseases and complications caused by fleas and ticks, it is important to become aware of how to identify, prevent, and take care of any infestations.

preventing flea & tick infestations

Fleas can cause severe blood loss, anemia, and allergy dermatitis in pets. Ticks can cause severe blood loss, anemia, paralysis, skin irritation, Lyme disease, and Cytauxzoonosis. Because these pests can cause serious harm to our pets once they infest them, prevention is crucial. If you live in an area where fleas and ticks are common, it is recommended that you speak to your veterinarian who can put your pets on a flea and tick prevention program.

There are also a few things you can do at home to prevent these pesky pests. To prevent fleas, we recommend using a flea comb on your pets and bathing them once a week. You should also try to clear away any grass clippings, dead leaves, or excessive foliage from your yard as fleas love to hide away in moist, dark places. To prevent ticks, keep your lawn moved and eliminate weeds whenever they pop up.

identifying symptoms of fleas & ticks

Being able to recognize when your pet is infested with fleas and ticks is crucial. This allows you to take action as soon as possible and make sure your pet is safe.

The symptoms of fleas on dogs and cats include:

  • Small, dark droppings in fur
  • Tiny, white eggs in fur
  • Allergic dermatitis
  • Constant scratching, licking, or chewing
  • Loss of hair
  • Pale lips and gums
  • Tapeworms

Because pets do not usually show signs of irritation when they have ticks, owners don’t discover they have a problem until they find the ticks on their skin. When ticks first latch on to pets, they are around the size of a pinhead. This means that they usually aren’t discovered until they grow larger by feeding on the animal’s blood. They are typically found around the eyes, head, neck, ears, underarms, tail, and feet of dogs and cats.

elimination of fleas & ticks

If you suspect your pet has fleas, it is important to have him or her examined by your veterinarian. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, your veterinarian will likely prescribe medicated shampoo, spray, or powder. It is important that each of your pets is treated for fleas and that your home is thoroughly cleaned to get rid of these pesky pests.

If you find a tick on your dog, you need to remove it immediately to reduce the chances of disease transmission. While wearing gloves, use a pair of tweezers to gently remove the tick from your pet, careful not to crush it. Place the tick in a jar for evaluation by your veterinarian. Carefully clean the area of your pet’s skin where the tick was found and monitor it over the next few weeks for signs of irritation. If there are any signs of irritation, take your pet and the jar containing the tick to your veterinarian for an examination.

If you are ever unsure of how to handle fleas or ticks, it is always a good idea to contact your veterinarian.

how proof. pest control can help

If you’re tired of fleas and ticks ruining your summers and driving your beloved pets crazy, turn to proof. pest control. Our team offers premium-quality, organic pest control solutions. Using the highest quality products, we provide year-round pest protection against over 30 different kinds of common pests. Trust our professionals to flush pests from your home and keep it healthy and safe.

Contact us online or give us a call at to learn more about our flea and tick control. We look forward to serving you!

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Call proof. pest control at 888-291-5333, or send us a message online.

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