Spring and summer are the seasons when parasites are most active in pets, owing to an increase in outdoor activities. So if you have pets in the home, take measures to prevent parasites from meeting them.
The good news is that keeping your pet parasite-free does not have to be difficult. Here are the steps you can take to prevent parasites in dogs this summer:
Inspect Your Pet
Ticks increase in numbers and are very active during summer. The parasites are strategic and patient as they wait for their victims in woody and grassy areas. They attach to the warm-blooded pets, feed on them, and remain on them for months.
Inspecting your pet regularly, especially after walks, is a way to get rid of the parasites. You can remove any ticks before they cause harm. Remaining indoors and staying away from grassy or woody areas can help protect your dog from ticks.
Monthly Tick Prevention
Regular tick prevention can help keep ticks from latching onto your dog’s skin. Prevention options include sprays, shampoos, powders, and collars. Keeping living areas clean can help keep away pests.
The parasites look for hiding areas around the property. They can inhabit worn tires, old pottery, unused timber, and other objects. Clearing bushes around the home is also helpful. Spraying items with tick repellant is an effective way to keep them away.
Protect Them From Fleas
Signs that your pet may have a flea infestation include itchiness, scabbing, and loss of fur. Fleas can be challenging to remove from your property. However, you can use special tweezers to remove fleas, as can using special combs.
Some sprays, shampoos, and collars can help get rid of parasites. You can talk to your vet at Country Veterinary Clinic about flea preventatives, flea medications, and other treatment solutions.
Keep Them Away From Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are prevalent during the summer months. Heat tends to activate odor, and warm blood attracts mosquitoes. These factors can lead to heartworm infection. To keep your family and pets safe, keep your home free from mosquitoes.
Remove any stagnant water and get mosquito-repelling plants to keep the parasites away. Spraying your pet with safe mosquito repellants before you go outdoors can help keep away the flying parasites.
Prevent Parasitic Worms
Heartworms are dangerous parasites that can enter the pet’s bloodstream, causing harm to the lungs and heart. Tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms are parasites that can get into the intestines and cause discomfort and illness.
Keeping your home clean is a good way to prevent worm infestation. Keep your pet from rummaging through garbage or eating anything from the ground during your walks. Look out for symptoms of worm infestation.
Talk to the vet about heartworm preventatives for your dog. Take your pet to the vet if you suspect that they may have eaten something harmful. Parasites can cause your pet’s health to deteriorate rapidly. You can find out the most effective way to keep your pets safe. You can find out about spot-on treatments, oral medications, shampoos, tick dips, collars, and other solutions.
For more on parasite prevention for dogs during summer, visit Country Veterinary Clinic at our office in Live Oak, California. You can call (530) 491-4500 today to schedule an appointment.
