Fort Bonifacio is a pet-friendly neighborhood. You are not going to find another place in Metro Manila that has so many pet owners. That is why what we are going to talk about should be of interest to many of us living here.
There’s this belief that during rainy season, fleas and ticks are less of a problem compared to the summer season. Unfortunately, that belief is a myth – these parasites-for-all-seasons can infest our home and pets no matter what the weather is. Don’t worry, because you have the power to prevent these pesky insects from multiplying in and outside your home. Here are 5 tips to keep our furry friends away from these parasites:
Tip #1: Know Your Enemy
Flea (left) and tick (right) are parasites commonly found on pets. Photo courtesy of National Geographic.
Fleas and ticks can spread vector-borne diseases to our pets and family members. These include diseases such as Lyme disease, tapeworms, tick paralysis – that can even afflict humans – and many more. The first step to avoid such health problems is to research and read about the life cycle of fleas and ticks. If you know where they live and thrive, you can stop them from infesting your home.
Tip #2: Keep Your Home Clean
Fleas and ticks are most likely to lay their eggs on moist, warm, and shady areas where organic and decaying materials are also present. This means that those untended plant boxes on your balcony can be a hotspot for fleas and ticks. If you live on the ground floor near where unraked dried leaves and tall bushes are present, these areas can also be a nest for fleas and ticks.
To prevent fleas and ticks inside your home, you’re going to need to team-up with your best friend ÔÇô the vacuum cleaner. You can reduce the chance of infestation by vacuuming thoroughly, especially below the drapes, under furniture edges, and where your furry friend sleeps. REMEMBER that these parasites need warmth to survive – that makes your home its most favored breeding ground for the rainy season so remember to always clean these critical points: places where the animal sleeps, rugs and carpets, and sofa.
Tip #3: Proper Grooming
Cleanliness is next to dog-liness. Photo courtesy of Golden Paws.
Ticks, although small, are bigger compared to fleas and can be easily be removed from the animal’s skin. If you happen to encounter an adult tick, DO NOT squish it because most ticks have eggs inside them that would scatter all over the animal and your hand if you squish them. USE PREVENTIVE PRODUCTS. Unlike ticks, fleas are rather hard to spot. To see if your pet has a flea infestation, use a flea comb to run on the animal’s fur and put any debris on a white towel. If there are black spots, which are fecal matters of fleas, this is a red flag that your pet or surrounding areas are infested with fleas.
With proper grooming, your pets can stay clean all the time. It’s also a great time for you to spend quality time with them.
Tip #4: Visit the Vet More Often
A constant visit to the veterinarian is a must. By doing this, you have the opportunity to ask if there are any infestation or other health problems faced by your pet. Remember that you are responsible for your pet’s health.
Tip #5: Use Preventive Products
Finding the right medicine for flea and tick prevention can be a headscratcher. Good thing that there’s one name that veterinarians do trust ÔÇô Merial Philippines. Merial is a provider of a wide variety of healthcare products for your pets. They are also the first one to offer a chewable anti-flea and tick medicine. Protection should taste this good!
Keep in mind these 5 tips and you’ll have an infestation-free pet and home all-year round. Wanna share your thoughts? Write them on the comment below!
