Is it time to give your pet flea and tick prevention treatment? Learn more here.
Fleas and ticks can cause serious health problems. If you have a pet dog, protection is crucial if you ever take it outdoors for its daily needs or an outing, as they are closer to the ground and could be more at risk of catching fleas and ticks than people. When is flea and tick prevention time? Is it limited to certain seasons? Find out here and consult Everhart Veterinary Medicine in the Baltimore area in Maryland.
Maryland’s Flea and Tick Season
Maryland’s flea season begins in late spring and extends through fall. Fleas can cause dogs to have red, itchy skin, anemia, tapeworms, and the transmission of certain diseases that can also affect human beings.
As for ticks, they are usually active from early spring through fall. Tick bites, which cause a loss of blood, can cause Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, and other serious illnesses.
When to Begin Flea and Tick Prevention for Your Pet
Age
Puppies usually begin flea and tick prevention treatment when they are 8-12 weeks old, or 2-4 pounds. Different breeds and dogs will need to time these treatments slightly differently. The puppy must be mature enough physiologically to handle it, but it is necessary to do what you can to protect your pet as well from serious illness.
Timing
You might think that flea and tick prevention time for pets would be from early spring through fall, but there are benefits to treating your pet during winter, too. In Maryland, the weather can be unpredictable and wildly fluctuating, which means fleas and ticks can crop up when it gets warmer. Year-round protection does not hurt and is generally the safest option.
Three Types of Flea and Tick Prevention for Dogs
- Oral: Oral flea and tick prevention medication can be given to dogs to repel them from their skin and coats.
- Topical: A topical spray will last for a period of time and also effectively repel fleas and ticks.
- Collar: A medicated collar will repel fleas and ticks from the dog wearing it, but it is not as foolproof as oral or topical treatments.
Trust the Care of Your Pet to the Professionals at Everhart Veterinary Medicine!
At Everhart Veterinary Medicine, our veterinary professionals strive to provide your pet with the very best of veterinary care. We believe that the best care for your pet should be provided by experienced, compassionate, and knowledgeable veterinary professionals. With three Maryland locations in Baltimore, Pasadena, and Cross Keys, we are always ready to welcome your pet as a new patient! Give us a call today at 410-355-3131, 410-793-7670, or 443-470-6790! For more information, as well as updates on veterinary news and topics, visit us on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn!