Does your dog or cat look like this picture? Are they constantly scratching with no relief? If so, he/she may be inflicted with a flea or tick problem. During the summer, flea and tick infestation is at its peak. Ticks are at their peak now and as the weather cools they will be even more plentiful. Since ticks may be carriers of Lyme disease and other parasite-borne illnesses and Pennsylvania now leads the nation in the total number of reported Lyme cases, it is important to take preventive measures for your pets. Always check with your veterinarian for the best tick control product for your particular pet. Remember that exposing your pet to more than one type of treatment within a short period of time may be harmful.

It is important that your pets are protected with an adequate, safe, preventative flea and tick medication to avoid that itchy, uncomfortable feeling of bites, flea allergy dermatitis, or even tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, or Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

Home care can also play an important role in pest prevention. Outdoor dogs and cats face a relatively high risk of running into fleas and ticks if your yard is full of tall, unruly grass. Keeping your lawn under control will give these creatures less of the shade they require. For more information on this topic, click here.

For pets that go outdoors:

• Visually check them carefully when they return inside

• Designate specific sleeping areas for your pets

• Check their bedding routinely

• Vacuum bedding, carpets and furniture frequently

• Dispose of vacuum bag in an outdoor trash can

However you choose to treat your pet, remember that it is always a good idea to comb through their head, neck , and ears where ticks are more likely to attach themselves.  If you find a tick, remove it quickly with a pair of  tweezers. Watch for symptoms like lethargy, joint soreness, or fever as they may be a sign of Lyme Disease.

The fact that ticks are around should not deter you from enjoying the outdoors; however, you should be on the lookout for these sticky bugs.  It is easier to prevent a bite than to deal with its repercussions.

Upcoming Events:

Stop by and visit Braxton’s Animal Works at the following community events.

Sept. 15th: Wayne Business Association’s Radnor Fall Festival & Top Dog Contest on North Wayne Avenue

Sept. 21st: Willistown Conservation Trust’s Run a Muck

Sept. 22nd: Braxton’s Harvest Fest

Sept. 28th: Sprout Fest Rescue Day

Oct. 6th: Paoli Blues Fest