Unfortunately, the moderate temperatures we enjoy in our area are also enjoyed by external parasites. Mild winters and wet weather combine to ensure an especially bountiful year for external parasites such as fleas, ticks and mosquitoes.
We’d like to take this opportunity to review some of the basics of flea and tick control, and to urge all of our clients to start early in order to prevent an infestation.
Successful flea and tick control can only be achieved when the pet, the house and the yard are all treated. Treat the inside of the house and the yard at the same time you treat the pets. Since most of the fleas are in the environment and not on your pet, treating the environment is perhaps the most important part of any flea and tick control program. You should have your pet bathed and dipped on the same day that you treat your house and yard.
Treatment of the house should begin with a thorough vacuuming. Be sure to discard the vacuum bag. Then apply an insecticide carpet spray or powder product, concentrating on the areas where the pet spends the most time.
Treat the yard with an insecticide spray or granules, following the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Prescription flea products such as BravectoTM, NexgardTM, and ComfortisTM are excellent products; however, they are not intended to replace environmental control. Unfortunately, there is no “magic pill” that will rid your dog and cat of fleas.