Summer is a wonderful time to spend time outdoors with our furry friends, but with rising temperatures comes increased health risks.
One of the most common dangers our pets face are ticks and fleas.
Ticks, in addition to being very annoying, can transmit a number of diseases, including Lyme disease and ehrlichiosis, while fleas can cause annoying skin irritation and allergic dermatitis.
Let's see some advice on how to protect our 4-legged friends from these parasites.
Tips to Protect Your Pet
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Use Anti-Parasitic Products:
Dr. Marco Rossi, a veterinarian and expert in parasitology at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Milan, recommends using spot-on products containing fipronil or permethrin to control ticks and fleas during the summer. "These products are effective in protecting our furry friends and are safe for their health," says Dr. Rossi. It would be a good idea to continue anti-parasitic treatment not only during the summer months but also during the winter months, as our four-legged friends continue to be exposed to a variety of parasites that survive colder temperatures. In this case, however, it would be a good idea to talk to your trusted veterinarian and analyze the conditions of your pet and the surrounding environment.
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Inspect Your Pet Regularly:
Regularly visually check your dog or cat for ticks or fleas. ( HERE'S HOW TO SAFELY REMOVE A TICK ) Focus on areas where ticks tend to hide, such as around the ears, under the neck, between the legs, and around the tail. Remove ticks with a tick removal tool and always wash your hands after contact with animals.
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Keep Your Garden Clean:
Tick infestations in your yard can be reduced by keeping your grass cut short and removing debris and dead leaves. You may also want to consider using tick and flea repellents on your lawn, especially in areas where your pet frequents.
It is very important to thoroughly disinfect the area where our animals live, as these parasites have the ability to reproduce and multiply very quickly. Using a correct insecticide is the key to avoiding problems with bites and possible tick bites. The product on your left is the one we generally use and we find it super convenient, efficient, quick and very easy to use. Not only does it work well against ticks but also against cockroaches, ants, fleas and lice.
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Vaccinate Your Pet:
Lyme disease vaccination may be recommended for at-risk dogs, especially in endemic areas. “Vaccination is an important tool for preventing Lyme disease in dogs,” says Dr. Laura Bianchi, an infectious disease specialist at Clinica Veterinaria Centrale. Talk to your veterinarian to determine if Lyme disease vaccination is recommended for your pet, based on their risk of exposure.
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Consult your veterinarian:
If you have any questions or concerns about protecting your dog or cat from ticks and fleas, don't hesitate to consult your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can also recommend a series of preventative measures to improve the environment in which your pets live to prevent the spread of parasites.
Conclusion
Protecting your dog or cat from ticks and fleas is essential to ensure their health and well-being during the summer months. By using effective flea control products, regularly inspecting your pet, keeping your yard clean, vaccinating your pet, and consulting your veterinarian, you can reduce the risk of problems caused by ticks and fleas and ensure that your furry friend can fully enjoy the summer without any annoying inconveniences.
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