Someone administers flea and tick medication to a fluffy dog.

The Dos and Don’ts of Flea & Tick Preventatives

Flea and tick preventatives are highly recommended in most parts of the United States and internationally for dogs and cats. Fleas can cause local itchiness, allergies, anemia, and can transport certain diseases, including tapeworms and the bubonic plague. Ticks are by far the scarier bug, as they can cause life-threatening diseases to dogs, including Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

Here are some Dos and Don’ts for concerned pet parents interested in safe-guarding their furry friends from fleas and ticks:

The Dos:

The Don’ts:

The safest decision for your pet is to be proactive with flea/tick medications. It is easier to prevent infestations and the diseases that they may carry by preventative medication than by treating the diseases once they are present. It is also less expensive to keep your pet on year round preventative care then to treat the disease once they are infected. In some flea/tick diseases, extensive diagnostics, hospitalization, and treatment may be required.