Keeping Your Pets Safe from Fleas & Ticks

Fleas and ticks can irritate cats and dogs by causing them to itch and scratch. These parasites can also carry diseases and cause serious health problems for your pets. At Neighborhood Veterinary Center in Hallandale Beach, FL, we can help you prevent flea and tick infestations and offer treatment if your pet does come in contact with a parasite.

Preventing Fleas

There are several ways to avoid flea infestations in your pet. Restrict your pet's time outdoors as well as its time around animals that may have fleas. Keep a tidy yard by removing leaves, clippings, and other debris. Wash your pet's bedding weekly in hot water to kill flea larvae.

Vacuum floors and under furniture regularly. When finished, discard the bag. Check pets daily during flea season, which is all year in Florida. Use a flea comb on your dog or cat. Clean the comb in a solution of liquid detergent and warm water. You can also get a flea collar for your pet.

Preventing Ticks 

Ticks attach themselves to your pet's skin to feed on its blood. They can carry dangerous diseases like Lyme disease. Check your dog or cat daily for ticks if it goes outdoors. Keep a clean yard and prevent animals like deer and raccoons from coming in. Put a barrier of wood chips or gravel 3-feet wide between your lawn and any wooded area.

To remove a tick, use fine-tipped tweezers while wearing disposable gloves. Grab the insect close to your pet's skin. Pull straight up slowly and gently, trying not to leave the mouth area. If it remains, infection is a possibility. Afterward, use rubbing alcohol or soap and water to dab your pet's skin clean. Do the same to clean your hands.

Visit Our Veterinarian

We offer preventative care for fleas and ticks. This includes topical products, oral medications, shampoos, sprays, powders, and collars. If your pet suffering from parasites, it’s important to get treatment for it right away. At Neighborhood Veterinary Center in Hallandale Beach, FL, we can help your pet get rid of fleas and ticks, and avoid them in the future. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call us today.