Nashville Spring Flea and Tick Season Is Here

Spring and the warm season are upon us, and with it comes the annual checkup on your pet's flea and tick preventive plan for 2022.

Remember that, even if your dog or cat spends the majority of their time indoors, fleas and ticks can (and will) find their way inside your home.

While some consider fleas harmless, nothing could be farther from the truth. These parasitic organisms are capable of causing irritation and uncomfortable skin conditions like allergic dermatitis, which can cost you big money to treat. On the other hand, ticks can transmit tick-borne diseases that can cause severe health damage to your pet and even infect you and your family.

Here are some proven tips and tricks to help you and your pet enjoy this Spring without any of these pesky creatures wreaking havoc on your life.

Wash your pet's bed at least once a week.

Fleas and ticks love the warmth provided by your dog or cat's bedding. If you do not wish to run a bed-and-breakfast for these itchy critters, you should change your pet's bedding at least three times per month.

Establish a regular bathing schedule.

The rule-of-thumb to keep coat and skin in excellent condition is to bathe dogs every four weeks (cats is every six weeks). However, during the Spring season, reducing the span between baths to every two weeks for dogs (and three weeks for cats) during Spring is the recommended solution to keep fleas and ticks under control. 

The main reason is to incorporate flea and tick preventive shampoo during the Spring bathing schedule. For example, one week using a shampoo aimed to kill and prevent fleas and ticks, then two weeks later (three for cats) using a cleaning and conditioning shampoo.

Talk to your veterinarian for proper FTH prevention

Fleas, ticks, and heartworm all have a comeback party every Spring. It is time we turn on the lights and kick them to the curb. But timing is everything! Once fleas or ticks go through their reproductive stage and start laying eggs on furniture and carpets, it can be costly to eliminate them from your household. Your veterinarian can help you identify the right preventives to use based not only on your pet's health but also on the infection levels in your area.

Add a flea and tick collar to your arsenal.

If you decide to buy a flea and tick exterminating collar, try to do it with your vet's assistance. Most collars you find at department or grocery stores carry such low levels of active ingredients they are not even worth the space they take in your shopping cart.

Use topical flea and tick preventives.

Finally, consider using topical solutions to not only prevent fleas and ticks from entering your home but also kill any that dare jump on your pet. Again, we recommend you consult with your veterinarian when shopping for these types of products.

Yes, these solutions require responsible pet parents to make a small investment every Spring. However, when you consider the costs of treatment and veterinary care bills, the total you will pay for all these combined is very low and will help you protect your pet's comfort and health.

Have a safe and enjoyable Spring!