Tag Archives: ticks

General Care

Protecting Your Pet From Ticks

You’ve probably noticed that the tick population has increased dramatically in recent years. As the numbers of ticks have gone up, so have cases of the diseases they can spread. Many of these, such as Lyme, can affect both people and pets. Read on as a local Roanoke, VA vet offers some information on keeping your pet safe from ticks.

Parasite Control

The first thing you’ll want to do is make sure that your furry buddy is current on their preventative care. There are several options to choose from, such as topical drops, collars, and sprays. Talk to your vet to make sure you’re picking the one that is best for you. Also, be sure to get these from your animal clinic or an approved retailer. Avoid buying them at box stores or through discount sellers.

Lawn Maintenance

Keeping up with your property maintenance can also go a long way here. Ticks like to lurk in tall grasses, so regularly mowing your yard will help. You’ll also want to keep shrubs trimmed back so they don’t touch your house.

Vacuuming

Vacuuming regularly isn’t going to hurt, either. This is very helpful if you are fighting fleas. It’s also a good way to keep the pet fur under control. We recommend doing high-traffic areas daily, and more thorough cleanings about once a week.

Gardening

Do you have a garden? You may want to address a few things there as well. Keep fallen produce picked up, as it can attract wild animals that carry ticks. It’s also best to keep birdfeeders away from your house a bit.

Sun

It’s worth mentioning that ticks are not big on bright lights. Putting a three-foot gravel border around your property will help quite a bit, particularly in areas that border woods or fields. Ticks often turn back at these borders, as they don’t like being exposed.

Pet Checks

Get into the habit of checking your canine pal for ticks, especially after he’s been in fields or wooded areas. Look between his toes and beneath his collar. If you do find a tick, use tweezers or a tick popper to remove it. You need to be sure to get the whole thing; if any pieces break off, they could cause infections.

Do you have questions about your pet’s flea and tick medication? Contact us, your local Roanoke, VA animal clinic, anytime.

Cat Care, Dog Care, General Health

Summertime Pet Hazards

The dog days of summer are nearly upon us. Will your animal friend be ready to face the hottest months of the year? Below, brush up on a few essential hot-weather pet care tips presented by your Roanoke, VA veterinary professional.

Heat and Humidity

Just like you, a pet won’t fare well if left out in heat and humidity for extended periods of time. Heatstroke and dehydration are serious issues—never allow your pet to remain outdoors during the summertime for hours on end, and make sure they have a large dish of cool, fresh water to drink from at all times. Check the water dish regularly to see if it needs refilled or refreshed.

Sunburn

Did you know that pets can get sunburnt, just like humans? It’s especially likely to happen on areas that are thinly covered by fur, like the tip of the nose or the edges of the ears. Your best bet to avoiding sunburn on your pet is to keep them out of direct sunlight for long periods. You can also try using a canine- or feline-formulated sunblock if your pet will have to stay outside for a longer period of time. Ask your veterinarian for a recommendation.

Outdoor Pests

Summer is prime-time for outdoor pests to latch on to your four-legged friend and start causing problems. Fleas, ticks, heartworm, roundworm… make sure your pet is protected against these critters! Have your dog or cat wear a flea-and-tick preventative and take a quality heartworm medication. This way, any dangerous pests should be kept at bay.

Hot Asphalt

Do your best to avoid asphalt surfaces like driveways and parking lots when walking your pet. These surfaces can heat up drastically when the hot sun burns down on them all day. A pet who lingers on hot asphalt can experience painful burns and blisters! If possible, choose to walk your pet on cooler grass or dirt surfaces instead.

Toxic Plant Life

It’s likely your pet will spend more time outdoors during the warmer months. Remember that many plants and flowers aren’t safe for pets. Toxic varieties include rhododendron (also called azalea), philodendron, ivy, dieffenbachia, oleander, lilies, tulips, various aloe plants, certain rubber plants, the sago palm, and many more. To be safe, restrict your pet from munching on any plant life.

Want more tips for keeping your pet safe this summer? Call your Roanoke, VA vet clinic today!