For any pet owner, whether you have a cat or a dog, it’s a crucial skill to spot telltale signs of excessive itching. If your furry friend is overdoing it, then it may well be that they have fleas or ticks.
Checking your pet regularly can help keep them healthy and happy, but it’s also important to prevent fleas and ticks entirely.
Finding the best pet flea and tick prevention doesn’t have to be difficult. In this feature guide, we discuss the nitty-gritty details and how to book a flea and tick shot.
Best Flea and Tick Prevention: Step-by-Step Guide
First, remember that your cat or dog won’t be best pleased about what’s ahead. So, you’ll need some patience (and other tools) before rummaging around in their fur. It’s a good idea to get the following together first:
- Flea comb
- Bowl of soapy water
- Towel or old sheet
- Gloves
You should also carry out your checks in a well-lit area and feel brave and confident about what you need to do. To help you along here, we have a full guide on how to search for ticks.
Preventative Measures
Due to warmer climates in Australia and milder winters, pests are more common throughout the year. They can be a year-round threat you need to always be aware of, which is why preventative measures are so necessary.
You can equip yourself with an impressive arsenal of tactics, all of which can help prevent your pets from contracting fleas or ticks.
Topical Treatments
You apply this monthly between the shoulder blades, and the treatment kills the pests once they touch it. It’s also ultra-fast acting and water-resistant.
It can be messy, though, and you need to make sure your pet doesn’t have a skin reaction to the treatment. You can consult with your vet about a suitable product to use.
Oral Medications
There are a lot of these on the Australian market and they come in the form of chewable pills. In most cases you’ll provide these to your furry friend once a month and that’ll do the trick, preventing fleas and ticks if they dare to bite Fido or Felix.
The downside? Your pet has to eat them. For a dog, this can be easier as you can mix them into their food. For notoriously pickier cats, this is on a case-by-case basis.
Some may be happy to wolf it down, others not so much. To get the job done, you may need to get creative and wrap the pill in a prawn.
Flea and Tick Collars
Flea and Tick collars can be a great way to prevent these parasites for those who have sensitivity to other products, or if you are in a high-risk area, particularly for paralysis ticks, as an extra layer of protection, as these collars often protect without the need for the flea or tick to bite.
Sprays and Shampoos
This is a budget-friendly option, although it can also be pretty labour-intensive. And it doesn’t have long-term protection.
Despite those negatives, sprays and shampoos can offer immediate relief for your pet while clearing infestations. There are many on the market, so have a look around to decide which one your pet may “like” best. Just keep in mind that they may cause a fuss during the washing phase, but it’s for their own good!
Environmental Control
You can take proactive steps to keep your home environment pest-free. Vacuuming regularly and washing your bedding regularly, including your own if your pet has free access to your bed! You can also try household flea sprays, which can be very effective in the event of infestation (make sure your pet is away from the spray fumes when you do this).
Consider a House Cat
If you want to, you can make your feline a house cat. This greatly reduces the chance they’ll come into contact with pests. House cats can lead very happy lives; just be sure to keep them well entertained with a variety of toys and a fun indoor environment.
Why Fleas and Ticks are Bad
These little pests are more than just annoying, they also pose threats to your beloved pets. Here are a few examples:
- Ticks can transmit Ehrlichiosis, Babesiosis, and Anaplasmosis, all of which can make your pet very unwell and can even be fatal.
- Fleas may cause allergic dermatitis, skin infections, and tapeworm infestations.
- Both can infest your home.
This is why taking all the necessary steps to prevent your pets from becoming hosts is essential. However, if your best efforts fail (and it can happen despite your checks), you can act quickly and book a vet appointment. The sooner you react, the better!
Flea and Tick Treatment for Dogs
Bravecto is one of the best products on the market, offering long-lasting prevention. One injection provides:
- Protection against paralysis ticks for 12 months
- Brown dog ticks for 11 months
- Protection against flea infestations for a year
- Control of flea allergies
Book the Ultimate Pest Protection Shot Today
Want to ramp up your pet’s protection? Then book in today at Sydney Animal Hospitals for a flea and tick protection shot. This is the first and ONLY year-long all-in-one shot for dogs.
Book your appointment today at one of seven clinics across Newtown, Inner West, Norwest, Kellyville, Baulkham Hills, Newport, and Avalon.
