Half of the products do not work: how to protect cats and dogs from tick bites

Walking with your furry pet outside in warm weather is a great pleasure. But it's important to remember that your dog or cat should be reliably protected from grass-sitting pests - ticks.

These arthropods can transmit deadly infections, such as pyroplasmosis. Therefore, furry animals need careful protection, especially if they like to play in the grass. OBOZ.UA tells you how to provide them with this protection.

Acaricidal drugs

Veterinarians say that the most effective method of protecting an animal is to treat it monthly with special drops or pills that help get rid of ticks and fleas. They not only repel parasites, but also destroy them if a pest does get a hold of your dog or cat. Choose drops or tablets with the widest possible spectrum of action. The animal should be treated with them once a month from the first warm weather until the first frost. It is important to apply the drops on the skin. If you get it on the coat only, the product will not work. You can also bathe your pet from time to time with a special protective shampoo, but consult your veterinarian about its use and frequency of bathing.

Shampoos

As for the proper use of shampoos, veterinarians recommend using them for animals that are often outdoors. Regular bathing should be repeated every 2-3 weeks or shampooing should be used as needed. The product will help to quickly kill pests that get on the body of a dog or cat. But keep in mind that antiparasitic shampoo should be rinsed off the animal very well with warm water, because it has toxic properties and can cause harm if the dog, especially the cat, licks it off its coat.

Collars

There is a large selection of collars designed to protect animals from parasites. But their effect is very limited. Experts say that they work only with short-haired or naked animals, and the area of action does not extend beyond the head and neck. If you are planning to buy a protective collar for your pet, use it in conjunction with a protective spray to be sure. And choose the active ingredient very carefully to ensure that it is safe for your pet.

Sprays

Sprays can protect animals with long fur, and they are also a good choice for dogs and cats living in rural areas or for occasional walks with them in the countryside outside the city. Sprays can be combined with protective shampoos. But in this case, apply the spray no earlier than 2-3 days after the last bathing of the dog or cat.

What to do if you find a tick on your pet

First of all, immediately purchase a special tick removal kit from a pet store or veterinary clinic and use it to remove the pest. Remove it carefully so as not to tear off the head, which gets stuck in the skin. Treat the bite site with an antiseptic and closely monitor the animal's condition. If there are any changes in your pet's behavior or well-being, consult a doctor immediately. If your dog or cat has contracted a tick-borne infection, it should be treated as soon as possible to save your pet's life.

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