Preventing Fleas and Ticks – Orange County Pet Grooming
Fleas and ticks are external parasites that can cause a lot of discomfort for your pet. During the summer, Orange County pet grooming shops typically have to deal with a lot of fleas and ticks and the problems that come along with them.
Fleas
Fleas can be found almost anywhere. Although there are more than 2000 species of fleas, the common cat flea is the type that is most often seen on both dogs and cats. Fleas prefer warm, humid conditions. This is why fleas are more prevalent during the summer and early fall.
Fleas can cause flea allergy dermatitis, which is a severe allergic reaction to flea saliva. In severe cases, flea allergy dermatitis causes intense itching and inflammation that often leads to bacterial or fungal infections. Fleas also play a role in the transmission of tapeworms and cat scratch fever. In severe infestations, fleas can remove so much blood that they cause anemia.
Ticks
Ticks are not actually insects. They are closely related to spiders, scorpions and mites. There are approximately eighty tick species in the U.S. but only a handful of them pose a problem for people and their pets.
Tick bites can be both painful and irritating. However, the real concern with ticks is the number of serious diseases that they are able to transmit.
Ticks can be found all over the United States. Although they can be seen during any time of the year, they are most prevalent during the early spring and late fall. Ticks prefer dark, moist, brushy places.
Preventing fleas
Today, there are many safe and effective flea control products to choose from. These products are administered either orally or topically. Some flea control products are only active against adult fleas, while others target other stages of the flea’s life cycle. Keep in mind that these products are separately labeled for dogs and cats. Never use flea medication meant for dogs on your cat.
Once an infestation is established it can be extremely difficult to get rid of. It might be necessary to treat your pet several times. It is also important to treat the pet’s environment.
Preventing ticks
Many major flea control products have formulations that help prevent ticks as well. These products are usually applied topically at the back of the neck. Just make sure that you never use medication intended for use on dogs on your cat.
Keeping your pet out of heavily wooded areas and tall grass are an important part of tick prevention. It might be necessary to treat your yard to reduce the number of ticks.
It’s a good idea to check your pets regularly for ticks. If you find ticks, never attempt to remove them with your bare hands. Your veterinarian or groomer can help you figure out the best way to remove ticks.
Claws N Paws Day Spa can help keep your pet free of fleas and ticks. For more information or to schedule a grooming appointment, please call 714-962-1005.