As a pet owner, it’s possible you might encounter ticks and fleas at some point. There are over 2,000 species of fleas around the world and around 20 percent of households have found ticks on their pets. These pesky creatures leach onto your pets and cause uncomfortable symptoms. That’s why it’s important to not only know how to prevent this from happening, but also how to get rid of them safely. A search online will help you learn more about how ticks and fleas can hurt your pet.
Whether you’re looking for natural or store bought remedies, there are plenty of options when it comes to treating ticks and fleas. Discover the different treatments for your pet by searching online.
Here’s what pet owners need to know about ticks and fleas.
What Are Ticks and Fleas?
Ticks and fleas are two different types of parasites that can feed off your pet’s blood. While they are similar, there are some key differences in when they’re active and the symptoms they cause.
Ticks can appear around the ears, tail, eyelids, under the collar, and just about everywhere else on pets. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, your pet might not show signs of tick borne illness anywhere from one to three weeks after being bitten. That’s why it’s important to look for changes in your pet’s behavior and appetite if you think they’ve been bitten.
Unlike ticks, fleas are harder to spot because they’re only about one eighth of an inch long. WebMD says the most common type in dogs and cats are called Ctenocephalides felis, which is also known as the cat flea.
There are some telltale signs they are affecting your pet. You might notice something called “flea dirt” on your pet’s skin or places like the carpet, bedding, or other places they might lay down. These specks are dried bits of blood that can look like pepper. Other symptoms you might notice in your pet include scratching, hair loss, or looking irritated. Their gums may also appear paler because of all the blood that fleas are consuming.
Store Bought Remedies
There are plenty of remedies you can buy to get off ticks and fleas off your pet. To give you an idea of the type of products out there, here are some popular treatments available.
NexGard Soft Chew for Dogs at Chewy
Price: $62.99
The NexGard Soft Chew for Dogs was rated five stars from hundreds of consumers. It’s vet-recommended for dogs up to 121 pounds and is an effective way to kill adults fleas before they lay eggs.
It’s a soft, beefy-flavored chewable that can also prevent Lyme infections because of its ability to kill black-legged ticks.
Advantage II Flea Treatment
Price: $70.99
Protect your cat or rabbit from fleas all year round with this topical flea treatment. It kills fleas upon contact and can also get rid of lice. Use monthly for ongoing protection or stop infestations fast by using this vet-recommended treatment.
Vet’s Best Flea and Tick Home Spray
Price: $10.49
Kill fleas, flea eggs, ticks, and more using this spray from Amazon. It’s effective to use against pests but safe enough to rid of infestations and use all year round. Just spray it on any surface and let the spray do all the work.
Vet’s Best Flea and Tick Home Spray is available for both dogs and cats in separate packaging.
Natural Remedies for Ticks and Fleas
While there are plenty of store-bought products you can use to get rid of fleas and ticks, it’s a good idea to also use some natural remedies to ensure they’re gone for good. Here are some ideas recommended by PetMD.
Give Your Pet a Bath
If you suspect your pet has fleas, give them a bath right away. They will fall off in the water since fleas do not grasp onto hair shafts.
Use a gentle pet soap or even dish liquid soap to thoroughly scrub the fleas away.
Clean the House
Since pets obviously live inside your home, it’s possible for fleas and ticks to make their way into your space. Vacuum and disinfect all surfaces to be safe. Also, make sure to wash pet beds and furniture covers.
Dress Up Your Pet
Next time your pet heads outdoors, consider wrapping their legs with some fabric. Whether you buy them a new outfit or drape an old t-shirt around them, this could prevent ticks from finding your pet in grassy or wooded areas.
It’s a good preventative method if you’re wandering into an area with ticks.
Search Online for More Information on Ticks and Fleas
While there are plenty of treatments for ticks and fleas, it’s best to try and prevent them from clinging onto your pet altogether. Start by understanding that your pet can encounter them from many places. Some of these places include:
- Grass in your backyard;
- Dog parks;
- Kennels or groomers, or;
- Visitors.
Make sure to monitor your pet’s health in case they were bitten by a tick. If you suspect your pet has fleas or ticks, then call your vet to ask for some recommended advice. You can also search online for more ways to prevent or get rid of these parasites.