It’s a brand new year! This is the perfect time to make sure your pets stay pest-free. There are several things that you can do to ensure your animal friend doesn’t fall victim to creepy crawlies like fleas, ticks, and parasitic worms. These unwanted hitchhikers can sideline your pet’s health in no time at all. Keep up with these pest-control measures all year round, and your beloved pet will have nothing to worry about.
Veterinarians recommend keeping pets on a year-round heartworm preventative and a flea-and-tick preventative. These simple measures should protect your animal companion from all of the common pests that are waiting outdoors. If your furry buddy isn’t already set up with these preventatives, get in touch with your vet right away.
Taking the time to groom your pet on a regular basis is a great way to check their coat and skin for fleas and ticks. Even if your pet has a short coat of fur that doesn’t require any specific grooming measures, you can easily run a flea comb through their fur to check for tiny brown or black specks. (That’s flea poop.) If you find anything, call your vet’s office to find out how to proceed.
Pests can easily slip in through these openings and latch on to unsuspecting pets inside. Use sealant foam to block off any small holes or cracks in your home’s siding or foundation.
Pests are often attracted to dense brush and tall, unkempt grasses, simply because these areas give them places to hide. Trim back thick shrubbery and lengthy grass so you don’t inadvertently give pests a home. This is especially important if this vegetation is touching your home itself, perhaps near a window—you might be giving outdoor pests an open invitation into your living room.
There’s really no substitute for just keeping things clean, both indoors and outside. Vacuum and disinfect inside your home regularly, and be sure to toss your pet’s bedding in the washing machine every now and then. Outdoors, immediately get rid of any garbage or leftover food that could attract pests. Also, remove any sources of standing water—empty flower pots, birdfeeders, old tires—that mosquitoes could use to breed.
Does your pet need pest-control medications? Want to learn more about keeping your four-legged friend safe and sound? Call your local vet’s office to speak with the professionals.