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Get Rid of Fleas and Ticks!

Fleas and ticks are a common problem for pet owners. Not only can they make your pet sick, they carry diseases that humans can catch too. The right precautions can greatly lessen the chance of either of you contracting an illness and keep your pet happy.

Fleas feed on blood. Signs of flea borne illness include skin irritation, allergic reactions, anemia and possibly death. Fleas also carry tapeworms. Large amounts of fleas, or ticks, can produce a large amount of blood loss.

Ticks, which also feed on blood, are carriers of Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever to name a few.

Preventative measures may not completely eradicate the problem but it will vastly reduce the presence of these pests. Following are ways to keep you and your pet safe.

Whenever your pet has been outdoors, always inspect him when he comes back inside. Be thorough! Check between your dog's toes, behind and in his ears, his armpits and head and tail. Use a flea comb to catch any fleas you might have missed. Look closely for tiny black specks, which could indicate flea eggs.

Always read the labels on flea and tick products. Make sure they are appropriate for your dog's age and weight. Never use items made for humans! Never use these products on young, pregnant, debilitated or elderly dogs without first consulting a veterinarian.

Different treatments deal with various stages of a flea's life. Read the label to know if it deals with larvae, eggs or adult fleas. You will often need to use a variety to kill the most fleas and prevent a repeat infestation.

Inside your home you can make a simple flea trap. Fill a shallow dish about halfway with water. Add a few drops of dishwashing soap. Place the dish on the floor or a table and set a light above it. The fleas will be attracted to it, fall in and drown.

In the yard, remove dead plants and clear excess brush. These are ideal places for fleas and ticks to thrive.

These are just a few suggestions. If you prefer natural solutions, there are numerous books and websites dedicated to these. Our pets depend on us to look out for them. Keeping a regular flea and tick regimen not only protects them but you and your family as well.

About the Author

Nikola lives and writes in Oklahoma. She enjoys reading, scrapbooking and interior decorating. She currently shares her home with two spoiled dogs. Nikola is an author on http://www.Writing.Com/ which is a site for Writers.

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Back 10.09.2006.