Protecting Your Dog from Fleas and Ticks in East Islip
It's spring season! Which means longer days, warmer temperatures, and more creepy-crawlies hanging out in your dog’s fur. Fleas and ticks can be found most of the year in New York, but especially during the warming months. Not only do they cause discomfort for your pet, but they can also be the cause of serious illness. Your veterinarian in Islip recommends comprehensive flea and tick prevention for all of our dogs. Here are some tips for protecting your dog from fleas and ticks.
Use a Preventative Medication
Pet flea and tick protection begin with keeping these pests from biting your dog. There are a variety of medications available, both topical and oral. Topical medications are usually applied between your dog’s shoulder blades to keep them from licking it off. These medications are absorbed through your dog’s skin. They usually repel fleas and ticks for about a month. Oral medications are more convenient than a topical treatment, and they are just as effective at killing ticks and adult fleas. Talk to your Islip veterinarian about which flea and tick preventative is right for your dog.
Check Your Dog for Fleas and Ticks
Even if you use a flea and tick medication, you should inspect your dog regularly for signs of an infestation. Adult fleas may be hard to spot because they are so fast, but if you use a flea comb, you can look for flea eggs in your dog’s fur. Ticks vary in size, but generally, they are very hard to spot. The best method to search for ticks is by feeling your dog’s skin underneath the fur. Engorged ticks will be attached to the skin, and may feel like a pimple or a scab. A tick key can be purchased at our office to help you remove engorged ticks.
Vacuum Often and Clean Your Dog’s Bedding
Even if your dog is protected against fleas and ticks, there is still a chance that they can transport these critters into your home. Fleas will lay their eggs in carpets and on your dog’s bedding and they will live off of the blood of household mammals that aren’t protected. To reduce the risk of fleas infesting your home and biting its residents, vacuum rugs and floors often, and wash your dog’s bedding at least once a month.
Contact Our Local Veterinarian in East Islip for More Information Today!
When it comes to fleas and ticks, a little prevention goes a long way. It is much easier to protect your dog from an infestation than it is to get rid of fleas once they’ve moved in. If you aren’t taking steps to protect your dog from fleas and ticks, please contact us at (631) 277-8700 to set up an appointment.