Fleas and Ticks - Pet Care Information

Fleas and ticks are tiny parasites that bury into the skin of a host, feeding off of its blood. While ticks carry more risk to a pet than fleas, both can become a nuisance. These small creatures can come into contact with you or your pet in your yard, or from other animals. Tick habitats include woods, beach grass, lawns, forests, and even some urban areas. If a cat or dog is allergic to fleas, reactions such as a rash, inflammation, and hair loss can occurr from flea bites. Tikcs can carry infectious organisms that can transmit disease to cats and dogs. Therefore, it is necessary to take preventative measures against both fleas and ticks for the sake of your pet's health and your own.

Most importantly, you don't want to create an atmosphere conducive to the development and breeding of these parasites. Wash your pet's bedding often. Lay towels on the ground where your pet usually lies, and wash them often also. This will deter the further development of flea lifecycles. There are several prevention and treatment products that can be prescribed for your pet, but these products are not risk-free. Make sure to consult your veterinarian before choosing a pest-control product. Even those which are approved and licensed come with warning labels listing possible symptoms.

How do you know if your pet has fleas? Itching is the most common way to tell. This is caused not only by the bites, but by the parasites crawling over your pet's skin. Examine your pets fur, and if you find small bits of brown dust attached to it, see if the dust becomes a red liquid when you wipe it with a wet paper towel. This is the digested blood that fleas excrete. Also, your may find skin irritation or even bald patches. Using a flea comb can also help.

Ticks are easier than fleas to visibly spot on the skin of your pet. But you may find it easier to still to feel for a tick underneath the fur of your pet. Ticks tend to bury in the head, neck, chest, or front legs.

To remove a tick, you should not try to pull it out. The mouth can still stay clamped to your pet's skin. Instead put some insecticide on a cotton ball or Qtip and dab the tick all over. It should die and shrivel up.

Fleas and ticks should not pose a dire threat as long as you keep an eye on them. Go through your pets fur every now and then to check for fleas and ticks, and take action immediately if you find signs of fleas or ticks.

Click here to see our huge selection of Dog Supplies

Related pet products:

Travel Cages

Have you wanted to travel with your pet but find the whole thing too overwhelming? Travel cages are an important part of travel if you have a pet, large or small. Getting travel cages will make your trip pleasant for both your beloved pet and yourself!

Small Dog Carriers

You’ve seen all the latest celebrities carrying the latest ‘hot’ accessory. A small dog carrier is all the rage because it’s so convenient to tote your favorite pet around with you. Small dog Carriers come in many styles and colors so for the fashion forward pet owner it’s the perfect way to accent an outfit or even match the interior of your car!

Cat Trees

A cat tree will keep your cat busy for hours. Cats love to climb and scratch and cat trees allow them to do both. They come in many different sizes and arrangements.

Dog Bowls

Dog bowls come in many varieties to fit any décor or need. There are heated bowls for the more finicky dog and non-spilling bowls to keep the eating area clean. You can also find ant-free bowls, ceramic bowls and even stainless steel bowls.

Kitten Crates

Kitten crates are great for use when traveling or when training at home. When traveling on an airplane, you’ll need a crate that is airline approved.

Kitten Healthcare Products

Your kitten’s health is important. There are several healthcare products available to assure that your kitten is in tip top shape. From dental care and hairball remedies to dietary supplements and breath fresheners, you can find everything you need to keep your kitten feeling great.

Kitten Food

Kittens need more vitamins and nutrients than adult cats. It is important to give your kitten nutrient rich canned food for the first six months. Kittens need to eat four small meals every day until they are twelve weeks old.