Autumn Armor: Effective Flea and Tick Prevention Strategies for Pets

Fall is the season for change in so many ways! But what you do in the autumn for flea and tick prevention for pets is really the same as what you do in the spring and summer.

Because we aren’t in an area that experiences an entire season of hard freeze in the fall or winter, the chance of encountering fleas and ticks in the environment is always there. Plus, even when it’s chilly outside, they may want to join us in our warm homes–ick!

Prevention is Key

Rather than battle an infestation that is already underway, keep up with your dog or cat’s regular prevention schedule for your best chance at keeping fleas and ticks away. But be sure to get approved products from a trusted source—like us at MarketPlace Veterinary Hospital!

First of all, you want to be sure that any fall flea and tick control product you choose is effective; some over-the-counter options may not work well. Second, it’s vital to ensure that the product you choose is safe:

• Some canine products are not safe for use around felines.
• Flea and tick control is often formulated per pet weight.
• We can provide key information for safe use around your home and family.

Please also note that parasite prevention products may be designed for monthly or quarterly use, so pay close attention to the schedule for the product you use.

If You Notice Fleas and Ticks This Fall

Even with regular prevention onboard, check your dog’s fur and skin after your autumn outings, particularly between toes and in the ears where creepy crawlies like to hide. This will help you defend your home against fleas and ticks. These bugs can hide in tall grasses, shrubs, and even fallen leaf piles, just waiting for you and your pets to come along.

Ticks may still bite and attach when your pet is on a preventive product; they just won’t survive long enough to transmit most of the diseases they might be carrying. You can contact us for assistance, but you can also attempt to remove the tick with fine tweezers using a firm, steady pulling motion to ensure that you remove the entire tick (including its mouth parts).

Fleas can be hard to detect because they are so small, but if you see even one hopping around on your dog or cat, there is a good chance that he brought some friends! Another tell-tale sign of flea infestation is “flea dirt,” which isn’t actually dirt at all. If you comb through your pet’s fur or check their bedding, you might notice what looks like flecks of dirt, ground pepper, or small coffee grounds. This could be evidence there are some parasites at play.

If just the thought of fleas in your home is making you itch, imagine how uncomfortable that would be for your pet in reality! So if you notice signs of fleas, act fast by:

• Washing your pet’s bedding
• Vacuuming your home and discarding the vacuum bag outside immediately
• Reaching out to us for recommendations on home treatment products and relief for your pet

Don’t use just any over-the-counter or homemade concoction without contacting your veterinarian first. Just like with preventive products, some store-bought or home remedies can be entirely ineffective, and some can be downright dangerous!

Fleas and ticks should not ruin your fall fun with your dog or cat. Keep up the flea and tick prevention this season to help you and your pets have an awesome autumn!