Protecting Your Pet From Ticks

Summer is here! While many of us love the warm weather, it does have some downsides … such as rapid explosions in the numbers of fleas and ticks. Ticks are dangerous to both people and pets, These disgusting parasites can carry some very dangerous diseases, such as Lyme. Fido and Fluffy’s fur coats can also make it hard to spot ticks, which doesn’t make things any easier. Here, a Dutchess County, NY vet lists some things you can do to protect your furry bff.

P  arasite Control

Your pet’s parasite control products are your most powerful weapon in the war against ticks. There are many different types to choose from, including topical drops, oral medications, and collars. You’ll need to be diligent about keeping up with the application schedule, as these products won’t be as strong by the time the next dose is due.

Tick Checks

It’s also important to check your four-legged pal regularly, especially after they’ve spent time outdoors. Be extra diligent if Fluffy and Fido spend time in fields or wooded areas. You’ll need to look under your pet’s collar, and between their furry toes. 

Landscaping

Taking some steps to keep up your property will also help quite a bit with ticks. In fact, simply mowing your yard will help a lot. Another thing you can do is put up a gravel border around the edges of your yard. This may be par tick ularly helpful if your lot backs up against a field or empty lot where ticks may be lurking. If you have shrubs around your home, trim them back so that the branches don’t touch the sides of your house.

Wild Animals

Bird feeders are great, and they’re certainly entertaining for cats to watch. Just don’t put them too close to your house. The birds you invite over for dinner could be carrying ticks! Also, if you have a garden or fruit trees, pick up fallen produce right away, so it doesn’t attract wild animals that are carrying hitchhikers.

Diatomaceous Earth

Another thing you can do is sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth around your window sills and door jambs. This won’t stop your pet from picking up ticks in the wild, but it will help keep these uninvited guests out of your house.

Please reach out if ever we can be of assistance. As your Dutchess County, NY veterinary clinic, we’re here to help!