Flea & Tick Prevention
What are fleas?
Fleas are parasites that feed by sucking blood from mammals including dogs, cats, and even people! Flea bites typically cause itchiness for the host, but for a flea-allergic or sensitive animals, the itching can be much worse and sometimes results in self-inflicted sores on the skin from consistently scratching. Although they are not able to fly, they are incredible jumpers. They are not only able to crawl and jump around on your pet, but also from your pet into the environment like your home, onto other pets, or even you.
What are ticks?
Similar to fleas, ticks also feed on blood from mammals including your pets & you! Ticks insert their mouths into the skin and produce a glue-like substance to help them remain attached. Once they have successfully attach to a host, they will begin and continue to feed until they have become engorged (full of blood). In contrast to fleas, ticks can go unnoticed as they don't cause itching, and their saliva also has anesthetic properties so the host is less likely to feel it.
When is flea and tick season?
In our part of Ontario, pets typically need protection from June through November at a minimum. But given the consistent warm spells we’re seeing during our winter months, the duration of the flea and tick season is weather dependent. Fleas can be active outside in weather that is 7°C and above, while ticks are active in weather that is 4°C and above.
What is flea and tick prevention?
Flea and tick prevention consists of a variety of products used to prevent or control flea and tick infestations on your pet. Preventatives come in both an oral chewable and topical products for both cats and dogs.
Why is flea and tick prevention important?
Fleas and ticks can cause discomfort and skin irritation through their bites, and in some cases can cause severe allergic reactions in both pets and people. Ticks can also carry diseases that cause illness both in pets and people, including plague, Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, bordetellosis, and others. That's why it's critical to protect your pets from these pesky parasites and keep the creepy crawlies out of your home!
