Tick Control and Flea Control

Fleas and ticks can appear in a home or on a pet at any time of the year. The sight of a single flea or tick can sound the alarm bells for a pet owner. As care providers for your pets at Georgetown Animal Hospital in Georgetown, OH, and as veterinarians, we understand the critical nature of tick control and flea control.

Elimination of fleas and ticks means the mitigation of health problems and disease. To avoid these pests, look for products that prevent both fleas and ticks simultaneously. Flea control and tick control can be handled by direct contact on your pets and also environmentally.

Treat Your Pet

Topical Treatment and Shampoos

• Spot On Drops: This preventative treatment is an over-the-counter liquid that you apply directly to your pets’ skin. It’s available as a monthly application or a 12-week application.
• Shampoo: There are several brands of flea and tick shampoos available commercially. Choose from organics, holistic, scented, or a medical dip.
• Medical Powders: This powder is used to treat, rather than prevent. Many will work within 24 hours.

Flea and Tick Preventative Collars (check with the manufacturer for age and weight recommendations)

The advantage of the collar is that it simply repels pests from your pets. The flea doesn’t have to bite your pets to be affected. Additionally, some collars may offer an efficacy span of up to 8 months. The disadvantage for outdoor cats is that some collars don’t have an emergency release of the collar if the cat gets trapped in a tree or bush. Additionally, efficacy may be reduced if a pet spends too much time in the water.

Oral Preventative Medication

These are chewable tablets that can be purchased over-the-counter or through a veterinarian prescription. There are several commercially available brands. Some kill only fleas, and some kill both fleas and ticks, but only specific types of ticks. Talk with your veterinarian about making the best choice for your pet.

Treat Your Home and Yard

Powders

There are several powders available for home treatment. If you’re using a powder to treat your pets, use a powder to treat your rugs and furniture also. Place some powder into your vacuum bag to maximize the treatment efficacy.

Sprays

There are several products commercially available. The range in type of spray varies as greatly as the prices.

Protect Your Pets from Ticks and Fleas

As passionate health care providers and veterinarians at Georgetown Animal Hospital in Georgetown, OH, we wish to help you understand preventative measures for flea and ticks. Call us at 937-378-6334 to discuss the many options in flea and tick prevention, including preventative medication.