Fleas and Ticks

            There are many flea and tick preventative products on the market. We caution you to stick with a product that is sold only through veterinary clinics, as such brands have been thoroughly tested for safety and efficacy. You may even be surprised that prices are comparable to what you can find at your local super-store.

          While ticks are out mostly during the summer months, fleas are lurking year-round. Many people assume fleas disappear during the winter, when in fact, they only become dormant so year-round prevention is important. If you spot fleas on your dog or cat, chances are the problem is already much larger than it seems. Only a small percentage of the fleas are living on your pet at one time. The majority of the population is living in your furniture, carpet, and bedding.

            The first step to getting rid of these pests is to “cleanse” your home. All on the same day, we recommend flea-bombing your house (this requires you and your pets leave for several hours), deworming your pets for tapeworms (as these can continue the flea’s life cycle), giving all the pets in your home “Capstar” and applying “Frontline”  or “Promeris” if you haven’t done so within the last 4 weeks. Next, wash all bedding and rugs, and vacuum daily. Continue applying Frontline or Promeris monthly. Getting rid of fleas takes patience and diligence, and sometimes a professional exterminator may be warranted. If you live in a townhouse or apartment building, neighboring pets may make the process more difficult as well. All of the above products are available at our clinic, and it is important that you keep in communication with our staff in this process as we may be able to offer more advice specific to your situation.