Blog

It's that time of year again: spring has sprung and we're faced with those pesky fleas and ticks who are looking for a warm body to latch onto: calling your pet "dinner"!  Many products are available to protect our pets but do some research before applying or using any product. Some products protect against fleas only: some ticks only :and some against both. Some products are species specific: do NOT use a product made for dogs on cats or vice versa because you're going to have a big problem. Also check any weight ranges for the product you choose to use. Lately there has been some concern that some products have lost effectiveness in action. In reality though there are times when the population of fleas and ticks are in such increasing numbers or there are "hot spots" of reservoirs that no product can possibly work 100% of the time. If the OTC product you're using is working then keep using it, but if there is break through, then please ask your pet's vet for recommendations. Your veterinary team can best advise you on the best approach for control and management to prevent infestation, allergic reactions and disease. Don't forget the furry family members who may not go outside regularly: cats and paper trained dogs are examples of the unprotected group. We need to prevent the problem in all of our pets if we are to keep them safe.  Fleas and ticks also can transmit many diseases; most familiar to us is Lyme disease but that's only one. There are probably over 20 diseases that fleas and ticks carry to infect our pets and us! So start now if you haven't already! Take your pet to the vet for proper protection advise. Be sure you know your pets weight before application. Be sure you know how and where to apply the product for best protection. Make sure you follow label directions as well: some products require a waiting period between bathing and application of product. Check the label for species use. And, for the best products to use, tell your veterinarian about all the pets in the household and any other medications or insecticides around the home you may be using to be sure you're using the safest product for your pets. We're your pet's health care team that's here to help you make the most informed and safest decision for the health and well -being of your pets.