A Tiny Problem: The Basics on the Flea and Tick Season

With the approach of flea and tick season, it is important for pet owners to know when the greatest risk for exposure occurs and why it is vital to protect their pets from the effects that those parasites can have on them.

Ticks will spend the winter in their larval stage, and the adult stages tend to emerge in the spring. Adult ticks will feed on pets, deer, or other mammals as the weather warms. In the case of the black-legged tick (a.k.a., deer tick), Lyme disease transmission is most common. After the tick’s blood meal, it will engorge, become inactive, and fall off the host.

Flea eggs, in contrast, hatch and develop into larva before molting into the pupal stage. At this point, they are capable of moving only one millimeter. After a few days, the new adult fleas will emerge and will be active. The first flea generations generally occur in late spring and early summer. Although some fleas will continue to survive off of a pet, in summer, the larvae and pupae may be found in the soil, leaf litter, and similar areas as they wait for a host in which to feed.

Why Should You Invest in Seasonal Flea and Tick Prevention?

The best way to protect pets from fleas and ticks is to treat them regularly with a topical product instead of waiting for a problem to develop.

Flea and tick collars, sprays, and powders are generally not as effective at preventing flea and tick infestation as topical treatments. Flea collars also pose the risk of becoming lost and irritating the skin of some pets. Flea and tick prevention products are also generally cheaper than getting treatment once a flea or tick problem occurs.

Pet owners should also use the specific product that is formulated for the type of parasite in their area. All of the products mentioned in the chart effectively prevent the multiplication of fleas, ticks, and certain other parasites. At the same time, they are safe for pets when used as directed.

The flea and tick season can be quite uncomfortable for both people and pets. Using the medication that is effective at preventing these parasites from harming pets allows pet owners to enjoy their time outside with their furry loved ones worry-free from the unfortunate effects that these parasites can have on them.

How Does It Work?

The active ingredients in these products work by disrupting the normal life cycle of fleas and ticks.

For fleas, the topicals will kill both adult fleas on the pet and flea larvae that may be developing in the pet’s environment. The active ingredients will also kill adult and larval ticks. This is important as ticks in the larval stage can remain inactive and hidden for long periods of time and pose a risk of transmission of diseases.

These products also have different ways of providing parasite-fighting ingredients to the pet. Some products are absorbed into the pet’s skin and work through the pet’s skin. These products are usually water-resistant or waterproof and continue to work even after the pet gets wet. Some products are formulated with a slow-release that provides the ingredients over a longer period of time.

Conclusion

The flea and tick season is finally upon us. That said, there are important steps to take to ensure that your pets are protected from these parasites. The right flea and tick product will protect your pets from fleas and ticks, thereby reducing the risk of transmission of flea-transmitted diseases to your pets.

As the season progresses, pet owners should be vigilant so that they can monitor their pets for fleas, ticks, and other parasites and begin treatment as soon as they are found.

If you are looking for a great source of pet supplies in Marysville, WA that will fend off the ticks and fleas on your pets, look no further than our efficient selections here at Earthwise Pet Nutrition Center and Wellness Spa. We sell natural pet foods, raw foods, treats, toys, litter, leashes, collars, and more. Check out our online store for more of our amazing pet items and their prices.