Dog News

Important Flea & Tick Season Tips & Reminders

by Adrea

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LF The-Kennel3
Photo: Living Free Animal Sanctuary

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Flea and tick season can be a concern for all pet owners, so here are some links to information about how to safely deal with these pests and keep your animals safe.

Pet MD has a 2016 Flex & Tick Survival Guide that is full of great resource information.  Featuring articles, videos, quizzes, and infographics, there is a good deal of information packed into this one site.

Prairie View Animal Hospital offers a great FAQ about flea and tick season, as does Dr. Foster’s, including information about the flea control and prevention.

Vet Help Direct has an excellent article that discusses the year-round flea problem, as often, in colder months, this can be overlooked as an issue.

Simple things, too, can really help with the flea issue, in particular.  Regular cleaning of your house, particularly in corners or areas that gather dust, and clearing your yard can go a long way.

CAUTION: Be extra careful if you have dogs and cats.  Several over-the-counter (OTC) products made for dogs are very dangerous for cats.  They should not be used on cats and are not the best choice in households with both animals.  If a cat licks a dog wearing an OTC product for dogs only, the cat could ingest and become extremely ill or worse.  The video below shows and example with the veterinarian offering a brief explanation.

Why we don’t use certain over the counter flea meds on cats.
This is a cat that has been treated with over the counter flea meds such as Hartz or sargeant’s or zodiac spot on that contain permethrin and are designed for dogs. They should NOT be used on cats. Every year, many cats are poisoned because they are treated directly OR come in contact with a dog that’s treated or the dog’s bedding after the dog has slept in in after treatment. Would NOT have this in my house for ANY pets. Problem is , Pet store staff and general store (walmart/ canadian tire/ grocery/ hardware store) will sell these and not be trained to ask you if you have a cat OR even be aware they will kill your cat, or harm your dog sometimes
FYI-yes, the cat recovered after decontamination of the skin and intravenous medication and IV fluid therapy . But it’s much better to prevent poisonings isn’t it?
and FWIW-if your child gets poisoned, sick, injured, I hope you take them to a medically trained person (ie doctor or hospital), not sit at home and hope for the best.
Same with your pet. If they are poisoned, sick, hurt, arthritic, infected or start doing abnormal things, wherever you are in the world reading this,……… please don’t sit at home and hope for the best or google it……. take them to a medically trained person ( a veterinarian), not your uncle’s sister’s neighbour’s aunt’s friend who thinks they know animal medicine or have an opinion on medicine . could cause harm / death to your pet
— at Highbury North Pet Hospital.

Taking good care of your pets health is key to a long and happy life with you.