Flea and tick season is at its worst this time of year. Protect your pets with flea and tick control or you may end up with your pet and your home infested. Most believe the threat of fleas and ticks is only rampant during the dog days of summer, when the heat and humidity hang in the air and we are targeted by cute commercials with puppies away at camp. The fact is that the fall season is just as dangerous with the threat of these pests as in the summer. What makes matters worse is that having your pet as the host for these invaders is that they may also cause intestinal parasites if you pet isn’t protected with products such as Interceptor as a parasite preventive.
Many believe in old school remedies such as Brewer’s yeast. I have proof positive that this does not appear to be effective as this is the method of choice with my sister-in-law who brought her Pekingese mix to the vet as she was completely overtaken by fleas and ticks. She claimed to have treated with Frontline in August, but that was the last time with the thought that summer was over and her pet was safe. She maintains that bombing the house and treating her other pets is not necessary. I will check in on the outcome of this non-venture and keep you up to date!
Another friend sent her doodle mix to the groomer who promptly informed her that he was infested with fleas. He was treated on site with Capstar which is a remedy which treats within hours and requires follow up with Frontline or other topical after 4 weeks. The response was quite different in this case. The owner had the pup board at the groomer and had the entire house bombed for fleas the next day. She also brought a stool sample to check for parasites to her regular veterinarian to find out if there was further treatment necessary. The groomers commented that they have seen many cases where the owner just shrugs it off and in this case they found the owner most responsive and responsible.
Be a friend to your pet. Protect your pets, home and family and talk with your veterinarian about maintaining a schedule of flea and ticket and parasite prevention. Fleas and ticks are alive and kicking in temperatures above 50 degrees. As always, do not use preventative available in supermarkets, only vet recommended to be safe!
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