Protect Yourself and Your Pet During Tick Season

Tick season is here on the Eastern Shore.

Pets, just like humans, are at risk for contracting diseases that various species of ticks carry. The diseases include Lyme, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Erlichiosis, Anaplasmosis and more.

Several treatments and prevention strategies exist, but multiple steps may be needed to minimize our exposure to ticks and the diseases they carry. There are many topical products as well as collars on the market for dogs and cats. Remember that not all products are created equal, and to check with your veterinarian to make sure you are using the safest, most effective product for your pet. Take care to only apply cat products to cats as dog products can poison and even kill cats.

Yard sprays can be helpful, but make sure to read package directions carefully for your pets safety, as well as your own. Limiting your pets range is important also. Dogs and cats that have free range of the outdoors are almost impossible to keep from getting ticks. Applying your pets flea and tick prevention regularly will also help greatly to reduce their exposure.

There is also a vaccine available for protecting your dog from Lyme disease. Talk to your veterinarian about including this in your dogs annual immunizations.

Contact your veterinarian for the best advice on your pets prevention program.

Source;  shoredailynews.com