Posts Tagged ‘pet grooming’

More Brief Tips On Flea And Tick Prevention

Flea and tick prevention is important for keeping your pets healthy. Examining your pet is easy to do at home and should be part of their regular grooming. Many products are available for getting rid of the pest but caution should always be used when administering it to your animals to avoid accidental poisoning. For more tips and information just keep reading.

Finding ticks is usually easy. Simply examine their body with your hands while petting. Be sure to check their entire body including their ears. Another easy way to check for ticks is while bathing your pet. The water on their coat makes it more difficult for the ticks to hide.

To determine if there is a flea problem, use a flea comb to inspect the hair of a dog or cat. If none can be found but the pet is scratching and has hair loss with scabs on their skin, your veterinarian can complete a skin test for mites or bacterial diseases. However, sometimes it is best to simply treat for fleas first.

Most prevention options will need to be repeated for continued control. Topical treatments are most often applied to the back of the neck to prevent dogs or cats from licking it off. Shampoos are best to use when a young animal has a severe infestation. There are also oral products that work well.

When treating these infestations, an adverse reaction to the toxins used can sometimes occur. Young, old, sick, or injured animals will experience repetitive nerve discharges. The symptoms often manifest as an allergic reaction, paw flicking, ear twitching, mild depression, vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive salivation.

The best way to prevent your pet from suffering adversely from the products is to always closely follow directions. When using a liquid, pour it over the body and use a sponge to help cover them entirely. Do not submerge or ‘dip’ them in the liquid. A spray should be applied to a grooming brush then brushed through their coat, not sprayed directly onto their fur.

If your pet stays outdoors, it is almost impossible to find successful flea and tick prevention. It may be necessary to treat the yard or house to get rid of fleas at all stages of life. Regular use of a product will help to control the problem.

For more information on a veterinarian Wilmington DE or to find a mobile veterinarian in Wilmington check out At Home Pet Vet Care, Wilmington, DE 19809, 302-764-5174.