A shift in the weather brings seasonal changes to a head. Spring is on its way, and that brings warmer weather. According to the American Kennel Association, flea and tick season typically lasts from March to December in Tennessee. That means it is time to prepare your pet for flea and tick season. Here are a few tips and tricks to prep your furry friend for the spring!

Medication

If you have animals that frequently visit outside, or live there permanently, you need to protect them. The best way to protect your animal is by administering flea and tick medication once a month. The purpose of flea and tick medication is to ward off the pest that can make your pets sick. The medicine not only protects them against disease but you as well. Often pets bring in fleas and ticks without warning, and it greatly affects the owners. These parasites can live within a warm environment, like your home, all year round. They also reproduce very quickly, so if not taken care of right away, the situation can worsen. Flea and tick medication can be bought at your local pet store or from your veterinarian’s office. It is essential to choose the right medication for your pet because the wrong type can be hazardous. Consult with your veterinarian before choosing any kind of medication for your pet, including flea and tick medication.

Your Home

One way to help prevent fleas and ticks from getting to your pet is to prep your home. You can do this in a variety of ways. One of the best ways to prep your home is to have an exterminator spray outside or do it yourself. Different kinds of yard sprays protect your yard and home from fleas, ticks, and mosquitos. These sprays can kill parasites for up to 12 weeks, creating a safe barrier for your pet while they play. Ask your vet for recommendations if you choose to spray your yard yourself. You want to make sure whatever you spray will not harm your furry friend.

Vet Visits

The best way to prep for flea and tick season is to pop in for a visit to your vet’s office. At Andes-Straley Veterinary Hospital, we can help you prepare for the warmer months. Your animal should be seen yearly for a general check to ensure they are healthy and happy. You can also ask your vet about different types of tick and flea medications and home spray. If your animal starts acting differently or displaying different behaviors, be sure to check for fleas or ticks. If you find any, call us, and we can help you with the next steps. It is vital to take precautions when removing these parasites if you chose to do so yourself.

For more information on flea and tick season, contact us at Andes-Straley Veterinarian Hospital. At Andes-Straley, we are committed to serving your pets. We provide individualized treatment based on your animal’s needs and a variety of other services. If you would like to schedule an appointment, visit us online here or call us at (423) 378-4443 today!