Right then, spring has well and truly sprung! The daffodils are out, the lambs are frolicking, and the days are getting longer – brilliant news for us and our furry friends! But with the warmer weather and all that lovely greenery comes a less welcome guest: the dreaded flea and tick.

These little blighters can make our dogs (and cats!) absolutely miserable, causing itchy skin, irritation, and even transmitting nasty diseases. So, before you and your four-legged pal are scratching away the joys of springtime, it’s time to get clued up and take action. Here are 5 cracking tips to get ahead of the flea and tick season!

1. Get Your Defences Sorted Early Doors

Don’t wait until you spot the first tell-tale scratch or find a tick clinging on for dear life! Spring is the perfect time to get your pet’s flea and tick prevention sorted. Think of it like putting on your wellies before a muddy walk – it’s all about being prepared.

  • Chat to your vet: They’re the best people to advise on the most effective treatments for your pet, considering their breed, size, and lifestyle. There’s a whole host of options out there, from spot-on treatments and tablets to collars.
  • Stick to the schedule: Once you’ve got a treatment plan, make sure you stick to it religiously. Missing doses can leave your pet vulnerable. Pop a reminder in your phone or on the fridge – whatever works!

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2. Keep Your Pad Spick and Span

Fleas can be sneaky little things and their eggs can lurk in carpets, bedding, and soft furnishings. A good spring clean isn’t just for you – it’s for your furry friend too!

  • Give bedding a good wash: Chuck your pet’s bedding in the washing machine on a hot cycle to kill off any fleas or eggs that might be hiding.
  • Vaccum like you mean it: Regularly vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstery, paying extra attention to cracks and crevices where fleas like to hang out. Empty the vacuum cleaner bag or canister straight away outside to prevent any escapees.
  • Consider a household flea spray: For a more thorough approach, you can use a pet-safe household flea spray, following the instructions carefully.

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3. Tidy Up the Garden – A Flea and Tick No-Go Zone

Your garden might seem like a safe haven, but it can be a prime spot for ticks, especially in long grass and overgrown areas.

  • Keep the grass trimmed: Regular mowing will make your garden less appealing to ticks.
  • Clear away leaf litter and debris: Ticks love to hide in piles of leaves and other garden waste. Give your garden a good tidy-up.
  • Consider tick-repelling plants: Some plants, like lavender and rosemary, are thought to have tick-repelling properties. Planting them around your garden might offer a bit of extra protection.

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4. Become a Pro at the Post-Walk Check

After every walk, especially in grassy or wooded areas, make it a habit to give your dog a quick once-over.

  • Feel for lumps and bumps: Ticks often feel like small bumps on your dog’s skin. Pay close attention to areas like behind the ears, around the neck, between the toes, and in the groin area.
  • Brush their coat: A good brush can help dislodge any ticks that haven’t yet attached themselves.
  • Get to know what’s normal: The more you groom and check your dog, the quicker you’ll spot anything out of the ordinary.

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5. Arm Yourself with the Right Tools (Just in Case!)

Despite your best efforts, the odd flea or tick might still make its way onto your pet. Being prepared to deal with them is key.

  • Invest in a good flea comb: This is a handy tool for spotting fleas and their “flea dirt” (tiny black specks of flea poo!).
  • Keep a tick removal tool handy: These inexpensive gadgets make removing ticks much easier and safer than using your fingers. Make sure you know how to use it properly – a quick search online will show you the ropes.

Find out more here