How to protect dogs and cats from ticks: simple rules for protective equipment

Summer is coming, and protecting animals from insect pests is becoming more important than ever. Cats and dogs can become infected with fleas or even ticks while walking outdoors and get sick because of them.

Veterinarians remind that pets should be regularly treated with antiparasitic drugs. OBOZ.UA tells how to do it correctly.

Why it is important to protect animals from fleas and ticks

Fleas that live in animal fur may seem relatively harmless - they only bite them to drink some blood and do not carry any diseases. However, some animals can develop allergies to the saliva of these insects and allergic dermatitis, they can injure themselves when combing and biting out parasites, and a large number of fleas that drink a lot of blood can lead to anemia.

Ticks are even more dangerous. They transmit infections such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, babesiosis, and bartonellosis. Therefore, it is extremely important to treat animals with acaricides (tick medicines).

How to choose the right drug for your pet

The forms in which flea and tick products are sold range from tablets and chewable tablets to collars, sprays, shampoos, powders, and liquid products that are applied to the dog's or cat's skin, usually between the shoulder blades or on the back. Several products are available for flea control in ferrets, as well as for fly and tick control in horses.

There are several types of substances in the product that protect your pet. To choose the best one, it's best to consult your veterinarian. And when you buy the product, be sure to read the instructions. It will tell you not only how to use the product, but also what to do if the animal has an undesirable reaction. In fact, keep the packaging of the drug so that your veterinarian can respond to side effects properly.

When to use the medication

It is best to start treating your pet at the beginning of the warm season if you are trying to prevent flea infestation, and continue treating regularly until it is over. Ticks are most active in spring and fall, but the danger does not disappear in summer.

How to use drops against parasites

After you have chosen the right product with your veterinarian, make sure that the product is appropriate for your pet's species, life stage, and weight category. If the product is intended for dogs, do not use it for cats. If you are using a product for a puppy or kitten, make sure it is labeled for that life stage and that your pet is at least the minimum weight indicated on the label. For puppies and kittens, buy only specialty products.

Consult your veterinarian before using antiparasitics on weak, old, sick, pregnant or nursing animals. Ask about compatibility if your pet is taking medication. The same applies to pets that have previously shown signs of sensitivity to flea or tick products. Tell your veterinarian about any other products you may be using or giving your pet, as this may affect their recommendations, such as protective shampoos or collars.

Read the label carefully before use. Even if you have used the product many times before, read the label as the manufacturer's instructions may have changed.

Follow the instructions exactly. If the label says "Use weekly," do not use it daily. If the product is intended for use in the home or yard, do not apply it directly to your pet.

If you have more than one pet and use sprays or spot-on products, apply them to one pet at a time and keep the treated pet separate from the others until the product dries. This is to prevent one animal from licking another and ingesting the product. This is especially important if the product is intended for dogs only and you have a cat in your home.

After applying the product, wash your hands immediately with soap and water or wear protective gloves during application.

Keep animal protection products away from food and things that can go into the human mouth, such as baby pacifiers, inhalers, and cigarettes. Also, children and animals should not have access to the storage area.

After the treatment, keep an eye on your pet for several days for any side effects or unwanted phenomena. Especially if you have used a product for the first time.

If your pet has an adverse reaction to a flea or tick collar, remove it immediately. If a reaction occurs to any form of flea or tick treatment, call your veterinarian immediately. He may advise you to bathe the animal or bring it to the clinic - describe the symptoms clearly.

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