It’s a sight any pet owner dreads. You may be sitting comfortably at home while your dog or cat naps next to you. Suddenly, a paw comes up to scratch an irritated spot. One of two words immediately comes to mind.

Fleas. Ticks. 

For two organisms no bigger than a pencil eraser, both can cause huge problems at home. With spring in full bloom and your pets yearning to play outdoors, you may think the likelihood of our pets bringing home these little critters will increase. It’s possible, but let us first dispel a few myths about flea and tick infestation.

1. A clean house won’t repel fleas and ticks. While it’s good to keep your home spotless and to clean up after your pet, fleas and ticks can invade regardless of your tidiness. 

2. Keeping your pets inbound 24/7 doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll never have an issue. Fleas and ticks can hitch a ride on your clothing or bags and hop around until finding a home in your pet’s fur.

3. Flea control is never a one-and-done deal. Missing even one during an inspection can lead to egg-laying and a renewed infestation.

Once you spot the first scratch, it’s time to take action. When left untreated, flea and tick bites can not only cause discomfort for your dog or cat, but also contribute to more serious health problems such as tapeworms, anemia and dermatitis. 

Solving your pet’s flea and/or tick problem is as easy as these steps:

Take care of the current fleas and ticks. Topical treatments such as Advantage II, K9 Advantix II for dogs, and Frontline Plus may be administered according to their recommended dosage for the care and future prevention infestations. For more serious cases, oral treatments such as Bayer Advantus Soft Chews can be considered. 

Take care of newer fleas and ticks. After the initial “kill,” you may still find matured fleas appearing on your pet and in your home. It could take a few months to completely rid your home of these pests. It’s important to have your pet wearing an effective collar (we recommend Seresto products) and to regularly clean your home. Vacuum your pet’s high-traffic areas, wash pet bedding and blankets with flea and tick shampoo, and keep your yard mowed and neat to discourage fleas and ticks from settling. This helps rid your home not only of matured pests but also the eggs and larvae.

Keep your pet well groomed. Adding a flea and tick shampoo to your pet’s grooming routine can enhance preventative measures. Shampoos such as Advantage Treatment Shampoo and Tropiclean Natural Shampoo, and sprays such as Vet’s Best Flea and Tick Spray and Richard’s Organic are safe for your pet.

For more recommendations on flea and tick prevention at home, our pet experts at our four locations in Hampton Roads and Moyock can help. Visit any of our locations today, or talk to our online customer service representative here for tips on keeping your pets free of ticks and fleas.