The colder months are coming to an end, which means only one thing: spring is just around the bend, and you and your pooch are about to spend a lot more time outside. If your dog spends time romping outdoors when it's spring, you'll want to be extra careful when it comes to looking out for ticks and fleas. To make sure your dog stays safe and healthy this spring, try keeping the following tips in mind.
Clean Up Your Yard and Outdoor Space
Fleas and ticks like to live in piles of wet leaves or debris. They can also come into your space on animals that visit bird baths and bird feeders. To keep ticks and fleas away, make sure you keep your yard free of debris and standing water -- and clean up any other decaying material that might attract rodents. By cleaning up your space, you can make it a less attractive place for pests to come live.
Get Regular Preventative Care at the Vet
The vet can give your dog regular preventative care for fleas and ticks, whether you go there for the specific purpose of warding off fleas and ticks, or whether you ask at an appointment for another purpose (like getting Vetmedin 5mg for heart disease). This medication can help stave off the pests and make sure your dog doesn't receive any nasty bites no matter where he spends his time. Make sure you check with your vet to see how often your dog needs treatment and make sure you stick to the schedule. Also, ask your vet if there are any powders, shampoos, sprays or other products you should be using regularly at home. He can give you some advice about simple over-the-counter or at-home products that will help keep any parasitic insects or infestations at bay.
Take Your Shoes Off at Home
Even if your dog hasn't been around other dogs, there's a chance you could pick up ticks and fleas on your shoes if you walk by grassy areas, piles of leaves, flower beds, open meadows and even landscaped yards. Make sure you take your shoes off before you enter your living space. That will help minimize the risk that bugs get into your carpet, furniture, clothes and more ultimately posing a risk to your pet.
Spring is a great time for your dog to run outdoors, get some exercise, and enjoy the newly warm, fresh air. However, spending more time outside in spring can lead to an increased risk of ticks and fleas. If you want to keep your dog safe, healthy and happy, make sure you take preventative steps to keep all pests away. That way, you, your furry friend and your whole family can stay in great shape all season long.
