Why We Recommend Flea/Tick Treatment YEAR ROUND

Video of flea larvae found in a dog bed

Source: youtube.com

Uploaded by Ocean County Veterinary Hospital Group

Monthly flea and tick treatment is an important part of preventative care for your pet. During colder months, some people begin to question why our veterinarians and staff highly recommend keeping pets on flea/tick treatment. Most, if not all, veterinary care workers give this same recommendation but not all pet owners understand exactly why. Below are some "fun facts" that you may not know about these unwelcome pests:

• Fleas can live outdoors in temperatures as low as 33 degrees for up to five days. They can also come in with mice and other furry pests that search for indoor/warm habitats when the weather starts to get cooler. Not only can they cause irritation and flea allergy dermatitis, but also bring intestinal parasites. Adult fleas only make up 1%-5% of an infestation ( Infestations consist of approximately 50-57% eggs, 34-35% larvae, and 8-10% pupae) so if you see an adult flea on your pet or in your home it's time to call the exterminator! Ask anyone who has dealt with having to eradicate fleas from their home and they will tell you - Prevention is key!

• Flea eggs can live year round in protected areas such as crawl spaces or porches and often hitch a ride inside on your clothes and make their way into the cracks of wood, carpet and household furniture. They will flourish once in the warmth of your home. Flea eggs can survive up to 6 months! (So even if they came in during the summer and stayed while your pet was protected, they can hatch or mature and jump back on during the winter months!). 1 female flea can lay 30-50 eggs in just 1 day. If you notice fleas, flea eggs or larvae, or flea dirt, it is best to get an exterminator to make sure that the older fleas are killed and that eggs and pupae are treated so that they can not mature later.

• Our best friend, Mr. Tick, is certainly more active in the late summer and early fall. However, even in the winter, if the temperature exceeds 40 degrees ticks will become active again (some experts think the threshold is more like 32 degrees). So, on those “balmy” winter days of 32 degrees or higher, when you just have to take your dog out to enjoy the so-called warmth, you’re exposing him to pesty ticks that carry disease. The ticks in our area carry especially nasty diseases that can be passed on to your pet, so if you have any questions about how to pest prevent transmission, call our veterinary staff today!

If you have any further questions or concerns about flea/tick preventative please feel free to call our office at 215-232-0831. We have both topical and ORAL flea/tick preventative options available!

GIRARD VETERINARY CLINIC

2806 W. Girard Ave

Philadelphia PA 19130

215-232-0831