Pets
Flea Facts And Tick Topics
By
Aug 11, 2005, 00:49

(NAPSI)-A pest-prevention strategy is all the more important when you consider the problems caused by fleas, ticks and mosquitoes. Besides the obvious irritation of itching, fleas can cause flea-bite anemia and tapeworm infestation. Ticks can spread Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever to pets and people, and mosquitoes can transmit West Nile virus and heartworm disease.

Fortunately, the less habitable you make the environment, the fewer fleas you'll have on your pet and in your home. A successful flea-control program targets all stages of the flea life cycle-from eggs to larvae to pupae and adult fleas-to prevent infestations.

Indoors:

• Vacuum floors and furniture frequently.

• After vacuuming, place the vacuum bag in a large plastic garbage bag and discard outdoors.

• Wash pet bedding and furniture coverings every week.

• Consider powders and sprays such as Hartz® Advanced Care™ 3 in 1™ Carpet Powder that kills fleas, ticks and other pests that live and breed in carpets, and Hartz® Advanced Care™ 3 in 1™ Home Spray for carpets, rugs, upholstery and pet bedding.

Outdoors:

• Mow your grass frequently.

• Remove weeds, brush and other ground cover.

• Remove piles of leaves, sand or gravel.

• Make sure there are no pools of stagnant water in buckets, wheelbarrows or other containers.

• Keep your dog out of tick areas as much as possible and check daily for ticks.

• Consider outdoor flea and tick repellents or residual insecticides.

One of the most effective ways to protect your pet from pests is to use a topical flea and tick medication. These products are typically applied to the animal's skin once a month. For the maximum benefit, it is important to begin using them at the beginning of flea and tick season-before your pet shows any signs of infestation.

When choosing a topical product, look for one that provides complete protection, such as Hartz® Advanced Care® 4 in 1® Flea & Tick Drops Plus+, which kills fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and flea eggs. Killing flea eggs is critical to breaking the flea lifecycle.

Before applying any flea and tick medication on your pet, be sure to read all label instructions and follow them exactly. Consult your veterinarian before using the medication on sick, aged or debilitated animals and before using flea and tick treatments in combination with other medications.

Fleas and ticks don't give advance warning before infesting your cat or dog, so you should start protecting your pet before they become a problem.

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