We all know that fleas and ticks are most prevalent in the summer months, but did you know that ticks can emerge at as low as 2 degrees Celsius? Here in ON we have several kinds of ticks and they may transmit blood-borne illnesses. One in particular, the deer tick, can be quite dangerous to our pets as it can cause lyme disease. While ticks are not as prevalent in Northern Ontario as they are in Southern Ontario, they do still live here. Due to this it is especially important to make sure that your pets have proper flea and tick protection, especially if they go out in tall grass or in the bush a lot, or if you  are travelling south.

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     It is always a good idea to check your pet for ticks after it has been outdoors. While they can attach anywhere on the body, the most common areas are around the eyelids, in and around the ears, under the collar, under and between the legs, between the toes, and around the tail.

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     Fleas are also much easier for animals to pick up in the summer months as they are more likely to encounter or frequent the same areas as other animals, both domestic and wild. Fleas as is well known cause a lot of itching and skin irritation due to their biting and sucking of blood. One sign of an infestation is the presence of a lot of little brown flakes or clumps throughout the hair coat which is actually their feces and commonly known as "flea dirt". While it is important to treat your pet for a flea infestation it is equally important to treat the rest of the house as well. This means washing all bedding and blankets and using a veterinary approved flea spray on the floors (do not use the spray on your pet as it is toxic!). If you do suspect fleas in your home please contact your veterinarian before pursing any treatments.

 

     While there are many flea and tick preventatives on the market today, the truth is that they are not all equally effective. Flea and tick collars in particular do not work nearly as well as most topical and ingestible preventatives. For advise on which one is best for your dog based both on breed and lifestyle, please contact your veterinarian today.