Remember when you thought getting a pet was only about sweet snuggles, a little extra exercise, and great photo ops for your holiday cards? Then you found it was, well, a lot more than that? Well, buckle up because fleas and ticks (woof, as the dogs would say) are a part of that “a lot more” bundle. But with a little, albeit pricey, prevention you’ll be back to the sweet snuggles and the cute candids in no time.
The Other Season
For the four-season folks, spring is typically the time to think hard about preventative measures. However, depending on where you live, fleas and ticks may be active year-round (gross). As a general rule of thumb, we should think about incorporating flea and tick prevention when temps are at or above 39°F. For some, managing fleas and ticks might be a same-time, one-and-done endeavor. For others, it could be two entirely different time spans when pests are at their peak-pestiness. Be sure to talk to your vet, who knows your pet and your climate, for the best possible advice.
Here’s the thing: fleas and ticks are gross. Start throwing around words like nuisance, infestation, disease, intense itching, strong biters, blood-sucking parasites, and, in a tie for most disturbing, blood meal and fecal debris… Shut up, and take our money!
The Cost of Flea and Tick Meds
Flea and tick prevention can be expensive. To treat a cat or dog, it can cost anywhere from $65 to $150 for six months. One chew of a leading product for dogs, for example, is about $30. This is one month’s protection. (If you have a cat, good! We should all have one. But it’s also a little cheaper when it comes to flea/tick prevention.)
Here is what you are protecting them from:
Fleas
They’re indiscriminate, six-legged vampires that vant to suck your pet’s blood – oh, and they multiply faster than you can say, “Eww, no. Please, no.” You may notice fecal debris (flea dirt, dried blood) on your pet’s coat, intense itching, and raw and red areas. And Fluffy’s not the only one. Fleas like you too, you attractive warm-blooded beast, you.
After feasting, a female flea will lay eggs on the fur of the “host.” 50 a day. She’s a go-getter. Some eggs will land; some (no, a lot) will fall off onto your carpet, your bed, your sofa…
Fleas are also (unfortunately) resilient. They can emerge from their egg/cocoon in about eight days – or they can stay cozied up for a year or more (we gagged too). Fleas are blood-suckers, and infestations can lead to anemia (especially in younger animals), the transmission of tapeworms, and a household environment that becomes more of a residence for them – and a nightmare for you.
Ticks
Ticks are not normally cat problems. They do love dogs, though. The ones who romp, play, fetch, and frolic in grassy and wooded areas. Heck, they even love those who just wander into the backyard once in a while.
A member of the spider family, ticks are attracted by motion, heat, and carbon dioxide. All of which we generate when we are outdoors, especially in the warmer months. These grubby little ground-dwellers jump from grass and low shrubbery to the soft, warm, hospitable belly of your pet. (Or you. Like fleas, ticks think you make a pretty hot host.)
There’s a reason why there are so many tools available to remove ticks– they need to be removed! They can transmit Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, both of which can be very tricky to diagnose, not to mention life-altering or even life-threatening.
Whether you’re out for a 5k hike through the wilderness or a 5-minute “hurry up and go” before bed, check your pet (feet, between toes, around the mouth, eyes, ears, butt, under the tail). Check yourself. Pretty much in the same places. If you find a tick, remove it safely with tweezers, or one of the many products available. (Not sure how to remove ticks safely? Talk to your vet or check out this set of recommendations from the CDC.)
It’s Good for You, Too
Remember, your pet’s health and well-being are important. So is that of you and your household. Fleas and ticks can impact everyone. From uncomfortable bordering on going-out-of-your-mind itchiness to potentially serious medical conditions, it’s worth it to protect your pets– and yourself.
Flea and Tick Med Do’s and Don’ts
Really, only one don’t. Don’t ignore basic prevention. Consider the cost of treating your pet and home for a flea infestation or dealing with a dog who is wobbling, weak, and vomiting after a tick bite. An emergency vet visit averages $150-$250 – and that’s just for triage and an initial exam. Expenses add up quickly.
Really, only one do. Do see your vet. Yes, you can go to a box store or online and find a low-cost OTC med, a collar, a repellant, or a spray. Will it work? The better question is… Do you want to risk it? Too many products are not only ineffective but may be harmful or toxic to your pet in the wrong doses. Your vet can make recommendations that are backed by scientific research, that are safe, and that are grounded in their expertise regarding the conditions in your area and your pet.
Okay, fine, we have a few more dos and don’ts. TL;DR. No… just read it. It’s not that long.
- Don’t use one pet’s medications for another pet. Please, for example, DO NOT give your cat your dog’s meds. This could be deadly. Doses are based on a variety of factors, including weight.
- Do call the vet if your cat is exposed to a dog’s flea medication (and bring the meds with you to their office).
- Don’t use OTC meds (unless your vet gives you the thumbs up!). They may contain ingredients that are highly toxic to cats.
- Don’t double up. Forgot last month’s treatment? Don’t give extra: It can make your pet sick.
- Do spend a little now to save a lot later. Especially if the ultimate cost could be your pet’s life.
Yeah, But–
We know that having a pet is expensive. Life is expensive. Avoiding unnecessary expenses is a great reason to know when and how to best prevent flea and tick issues in the first place. After all, they’re our buddies, and they depend on us to take care of them. Part of being a responsible pet owner is investing in flea and tick meds – and this ounce of prevention can save a pound of cure. And then some.
