It’s warm and it’s wet, which means fleas and ticks are rife among the long grass. Here are some handy tips on how to keep your pet safe in the fight against parasites…
Fleas – Fleas are a very common problem for many pet owners that can exist all year round and in some animals can be the cause of unpleasant skin conditions. You can help your pet from parasites by keeping up with routine flea and tick treatments.
There are a variety of preparations available to control and prevent fleas, these include:
• Tablets
• Collars
• Sprays
• Injections
• Spot on solutions
Ticks – Together with fleas, ticks and mites are some of the most common parasites affecting our pets in the UK. They are especially a problem because they can carry Lyme Disease. You can buy ‘tick twister’ tools, which are the best for safe removal.
How to spot ticks on your pets:
• You may often notice a single engorged tick as a grey nodule attached to your pet.
• There may be many ticks attached at one time, especially around the face, ears and front legs.
• As the tick feeds, it increases in size (the female can reach up to 10mm when fully engorged).
How to remove ticks:
• Once you’ve located the tick, using gloves if you have them, gently part your dog’s fur so that you can easily reach the tick
• Get your tick remover and slowly push it under the tick
• When you have a firm grasp of the tick, twist it in a clockwise direction several times until the tick comes loose
• Take a look at your dog’s skin and make sure the tick is completely removed
• Get rid of the tick by putting it in alcohol or popping it in tissue and flushing it down the toilet before washing your hands
Talk to us today via Petsapp, or via reception if your are worried your pet has a parasite problem and let us help you find the right course of treatment for your pet to combat fleas and ticks.
Watch this useful video from XLVets about how to search for fleas and ticks on your pet – https://youtu.be/bD5hyj36P_M?si=E-1Z9T0K-6HGJ_A
*Remember, under new RCVS rules, we need to have physically examined your pet to prescribe the majority of effective parasite (including fleas and ticks) or wormer treatments. Many of the most effective treatments are prescription only.
