FLEA AND TICK MEDICINE HOW TO

What’s the Difference Between Over-the-Counter and Prescription Preventatives? Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications Read on to make sure you’re getting the “right stuff” for your cat or dog to keep them safe from fleas, ticks, and other parasites. So, you may be wondering, what’s the difference? Are these over-the-counter preventatives as effective and safe for your pet as the alternative prescription versions that have veterinarian backing and support? Why is veterinarian approval important when you can just grab some flea preventatives in your local supermarket aisle? Should you switch? However, others require a prescription from your veterinarian or a trip to your veterinarian’s office. Some of these you are able to purchase over the counter at pet supply stores, supermarkets, and big-box stores. Ask your pet or garden store for details.Winning the battle against fleas, ticks, worms, and other parasites takes commitment and consistency - as well as some good preventative medication ! These microscopic worms kill flea larvae and cocoons. Cover garbage and store it out of reach of raccoons and rodents, which host ticks and fleas.Get rid of plants that attract deer, since deer carry ticks.Regularly remove leaf litter, tall grass, and brush.Here are tips to control pests in your yard: Wash pet and human bedding at least every 2 to 3 weeks.Steam-clean regularly, especially areas where your dog sleeps.Throw away the vacuum bag or thoroughly wash the canister after each use. Vacuum daily, including carpets, cushioned furniture, baseboards, and the basement.Take these extra steps to manage fleas indoors: If you want to use an insect killer in your house, ask your vet or an exterminator which ones are safe around pets and children. You also have to control pests inside and outside your home. Call your vet and report problems to the National Pesticide Information Center at 80. Follow any instructions from the package insert. If your dog has a bad reaction and you've used a topical product, bathe them right away with soap and water. Call your vet if your dog has symptoms such as: Watch for signs of a reaction, especially if it’s the first time you’re using the product. You don’t want them to groom each other and swallow the chemicals.ĥ. Follow the instructions for proper storage and disposal of packaging.Ĥ. Wear gloves, or wash your hands with soap and water after you apply the drug. There’s no need to pair a powder with a spot-on treatment.ģ. Only apply the amount needed for your pet's size. Don’t use dog products on a cat, as this could be deadly. Then you can drown the pests in a bowl of hot, soapy water.Ģ. In these cases, the vet might suggest you use a special comb to pick up fleas, eggs, and ticks. This is key if your dog has a history of seizures or is:

Check with your vet before you use any flea or tick product. Other products come in the form of dips, shampoos, collars, foggers, and sprays.

The most popular products are pills and the 'spot-on' treatments that go onto your dog’s back under their fur. Your vet can tell you when if you’re not sure. Otherwise, start treatment at the beginning of flea or tick season. If you see signs of these pests on your pet, treat them right away. But they can live year-round in some parts of the U.S. Spring and summer are usually the heaviest time for ticks. When should you treat your dog with flea or tick products? It depends on where you live.įleas are worst during warm-weather months, but they can be inside your home all year long.

FLEA AND TICK MEDICINE HOW TO

Plenty of products can keep them at bay, but you need to know how to use them safely. These pests can make both of you sick and uncomfortable. Got a furry friend? It’s time to brush up on ways to keep ticks and fleas - and the nasty diseases they spread - away from them.

Flea and tick medicine