Five Effective Ways to Prevent Fleas and Ticks Among Your Pets

Fleas and ticks are probably the most common parasites that pet owners have to deal with on a regular basis. They are a major cause of nuisance and irritation among pets due to their bite, and can also be a leading cause of human disease. Most people do not realize this, but bites from these pesky insects can cause allergies. In short, they are not only a concern your pet has, but also a concern you will have if left ignored. The good news is there are effective, practical steps you can take that will help you prevent or at least control these pests.

Keep Dogs and Cats Indoors

Dogs and cats that spend a lot of time outdoors are more prone to acquiring fleas and ticks than pets that tend to stay indoors. If you have a pets that love to wander outdoors, particularly in wooded areas, you can expect them to pick up various species of fleas and ticks. These parasites can easily climb on your pets and attach themselves to your dog's or cat's skin to take a blood meal. Again, these insects can cause major problems not only to your pets, but to you and your loved ones as well. For this reason, it is crucial that you restrain your pets and keep them indoors as much as possible. Having a fence would be a good idea, as this can help prevent your pets from leaving your backyard and wander off to areas where they can pick up external parasites.

Feed Pets with High-Quality Food

Feeding your pet with high-quality pet food will not directly get rid of fleas and ticks, unless you're feeding them with food that's designed for that very purpose. However, you have to understand that the quality of food you feed your pets can have an effect on their resistance against allergies brought about by flea and tick bites. The thing about cheap dog or cat food is that they can cause adverse skin reaction, so if they already have skin problems due to parasite bites, those bites can worsen if you continue to feed them with cheap pet food.

Give Your Pets a Good Bath Regularly

Giving your pets a good bath at least once a week is an excellent way to keep them free from tick and fleas. It may not totally get rid of the parasites, but it's already a good way to minimize them. Bathing your dog and cat regularly can also help prevent skin problems from getting worse.

Put Your Pet Under a Parasite Prevention and Control Program

When it comes to fleas and ticks, your first line of defense should always be your veterinarian. Take your pets to their vet regularly so they can be checked for infestation. If necessary, the vet will have to recommend that your pets be placed under a parasite prevention and control program.

Use Trusted Flea and Tick Preventative Brands

Finally, if you're using flea and tick preventative products, see to it that you only use brands that have been tested and proven by many. There are hundreds of brands of parasite preventatives for pets out there, but not all can deliver. You may want to find out more about reliable flea and tick preventatives by checking out Aussievetproducts website.