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As a pet owner, you should do what you can to keep your pet happy and healthy. Ensuring your dog is well-fed, has a comfortable bed, and gets enough exercise is only part of it. You must ensure your pet is healthy and protected from parasites. Pests, like fleas and ticks, can make your dog uncomfortable and cause severe infections. 

Prevent Life-threatening Diseases 

A crucial reason to protect your pet from fleas and ticks is to keep them free from disease. The pests transmit diseases that can make dogs very sick. Preventative medications can help protect your pet from life-threatening illnesses. Pests can cause your pet to get anemia, which can be fatal for puppies. Ticks transmit Lyme disease, which usually causes fever and joint pain and, if untreated, can result in kidney failure. 

Keep Your Pet Comfortable 

Protecting pets against fleas and ticks can keep them happy and comfortable. The pests can inflict painful bites and cause itchiness. The infestation can keep your dog from enjoying life. Preventive medications and other solutions can keep your pet happy and parasite-free. Flea collars, pest control sprays, and shampoos can help protect your dog. Your vet can recommend the most effective medications for your pet. 

Protect Your Human Family

Unfortunately, an infected dog can cause problems for the entire family. Fleas and ticks do not just affect pets; they also affect humans. Pests can move from your pet to your family members. Failing to use pest preventatives may lead to parasites nesting on your carpet and causing skin bites. Ticks can also transmit Lyme disease, which causes symptoms such as headaches, fever, and fatigue. If not treated, the infection can spread to the heart, joints, and nervous system. 

Prevent Home Infestation 

Parasite-infested pets tend to transfer parasites into the home, resulting in increased infestation. If you have more than one pet in the home, they can all become infected when fleas lay eggs indoors. 

Eradicating the parasites can be very difficult once they lay eggs. A flea cycle is 14 days, so you should spray your home again two weeks after the initial treatment. Some people use pest sprays or foggers one time, only to find they still have pests weeks later.  

Keep Your Lawn Free From Pests

Keep your lawn pest-free by keeping the grass short. Get rid of tall bushes and avoid overwatering your lawn. Tall grasses provide an ideal nesting environment for parasites. Be careful where you choose to walk your dog. Avoid areas with tall bushes and wild animals that can transmit parasites. 

Several preventative products (wearable, oral, and topical) are available and can keep your pet safe. Ensure you get the correct products for your dog. Consult your vet before using any products or medications to ensure safety and effectiveness. The products are usually recommended based on the animal species and size. 

To protect your dog against fleas and ticks, visit Bergen County Veterinary Center at our Waldwick, New Jersey office. Call 201-205-2500 to schedule an appointment today.