Pets, especially dogs and cats are really important to Americans. Over 48 million households have a dog, and nearly 32 million have at least one cat. That’s about two-thirds of all households in the entire country! With odds like that, chances are good you’re in one of these groups!

These creatures do a lot for us, but companionship is one of their biggest benefits. No wonder we become so attached to them, and want to provide a safe environment where they can thrive. Food, water, shelter, and periodic visits to the vet are all important.

So is flea and tick control.

Flea and Tick 101

Fleas and ticks may be small, but they can cause big problems for your dog or cat…and even the people that come in contact with them. Unfortunately, Spring is prime pest season. As people and pets begin to spend more time outdoors, starving insects and bugs are also emerging from the safety of their winter lair in search of food.

The chance of meeting up with hungry fleas and ticks increases dramatically this time of year. The likelihood of encountering them remains high until cold temperatures return in late fall. As pest management experts (and animal lovers), we strongly encourage pet owners to take precautions against these dangerous pests during the warmer months.

The dangers associated with these two menaces cannot be overstated. Many people associate fleas and ticks with Itchiness and skin irritation. These discomforts are relatively minor compared to the diseases they can transmit: 

Fleas may carry parasites, bacteria and viruses that cause anemia, dermatitis…even the plague! They can also transfer tapeworms. Fleas prefer animal hosts, but will live on humans when no animals are available. They spread disease primarily by biting their hosts (they are obviously not very good guests!), and through their poop.

Ticks spread a variety of diseases that can affect pets and people. Dogs can contract Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lyme Disease just like humans. Ehrlichiosis is another serious tick borne disease; it’s found worldwide and primarily affects dogs…but cats aren’t immune. Symptoms include anemia, bruising, internal bleeding, and in some cases, death. 

Finally, there’s tick paralysis. This condition only affects dogs. It can cause muscle weakness and loss of coordination. In advanced cases, chest muscles become paralyzed leading to respiratory failure and death.

Protect your Pets from Fleas and Ticks

Because of their small size and extreme agility, fleas and ticks are difficult to detect and eliminate, particularly inside a home. It’s extremely important to notice them early and obtain help when an infestation is developing.

We recommend these steps to keep pets pest free: 

• Regularly check your pets’ coats thoroughly for ticks and fleas…especially after they’ve been outdoors a while.
• Excessive scratching and licking is a common sign your cat or dog is carrying fleas or ticks. Watch for it.
• Ticks reside in tall grass. They use the higher vantage to hop aboard passing animals. Avoid unmowed areas.
• Wash pet bedding, collars, and plush toys frequently.
• Vacuum carpets, floors and furniture regularly.
• After cleaning, empty vacuum bags into an outside trash receptacle.
• Consult a veterinarian about flea and tick prevention treatments.

Managing flea and tick populations is tough. In the wild they spread out over large areas and can be found in a variety of terrain: woods, fields, recreational areas and more. And they’re very difficult to control in interior spaces. When dealing with fleas and tick infestations, professional pest control is your best option. Call or text us at (405) 679-8729 to protect your pets and your families from these pests and the diseases they carry.