When you register, you’ll join NRDC’s Activist Network. We’ll update you on the most recent warnings and development reports.
Ticks appear to emerge from hibernation once the cold weather ends and begin feeding once more. They wait in the grass, where they wait to catch a ride on the nearest warm body, whether it be a person or an animal. Like fleas, ticks are bloodsuckers and when they bite, their saliva can spread dangerous diseases.
So even if your pet never leaves the house, it’s still important to use products all year long. Pet owners may unknowingly introduce pests into the home on their clothing or shoes, making them carriers. When your pet sits at your feet or jumps into your lap, it is only a short distance from there.
Persistent scratching is a dog or cat’s first indication that they have fleas. Check your pet for flat brown mites and tiny brown flecks if it has a light-colored coat or a belly with little to no hair. Scrape a few of those stains onto a paper towel, moisten it with a few drops of water, and spread it around. If the result looks bloody, your furbaby has fleas.
These tiny vampires are drawn to dogs and cats because they love blood, just like filet mignon. They poop out as tiny brown flecks after burrowing into your pet’s fur and having their fill. The cycle continues until you take action to break it. When they’re ready to mate, females lay eggs (one can produce as many as 2,000 in her lifetime), and the males mate.
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Even though fleas and ticks are a year-round threat to pets, they are most active in the spring and summer, beginning as early as March in some parts of the United States. To find out when and where your pets are most at risk for fleas and ticks, locate your state on the map here. Prevention is always the best strategy.
When you register, you’ll join NRDC’s Activist Network. We’ll update you on the most recent warnings and development reports.
FAQ
What happens if you don’t treat fleas on dogs?
If fleas are not treated, they can quickly multiply and make your dog very ill. That’s why it’s crucial to regularly check your dog for fleas and take prompt action to eradicate any outbreaks that happen. Some dogs have severe flea saliva allergies, and even a single flea bite can cause them great discomfort.
Do all dogs need tick prevention?
Dogs are very susceptible to tick bites and tickborne diseases. Most diseases transmitted by ticks that affect dogs cannot be prevented by vaccination, and dogs still bring ticks into homes. These factors make it crucial to treat your dog with a tick preventative.
How often should dogs get flea and tick treatment?
The best defense is a good offense, just like with many pet ailments. All of your furry family members need to be treated with flea and tick prevention products all year long. These can be purchased over-the-counter or on a prescription, and frequently need to be applied every 30 days.
Should I give my dog flea medicine all year?
Yes. While many species of ticks and fleas slow down or go dormant in the winter, some regions of the United States lack the necessary cold temperatures to effectively kill these parasites and stop their activity. It’s best to protect your dog all year round because ticks and fleas can spread diseases that could harm them.