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Chewie's Playland

Doggie Day Care, Boarding, Training and more!

Heartworm, Flea and Tick Preventative

It's well into that time of the year where our pets need protection!  Due to the long winters and the climate changes over the years, it seems that there is going to be an increase in the number of fleas and ticks every year!

Here are some things to remember:

  • It's better to be safe then sorry! If it's in your budget try to give heartworm preventative and flea and tick presentation year round!  This is especially true if your pet attends play groups, doggie daycare or boards frequently.  Some places, such as Chewie's Playland do require it year round.
  • Not only does Heartworm preventative protect against heart heartworm but it also protects against common intestinal parasites.  Dogs can pick up intestinal parasites anywhere there is soil or if they a bad habit of eating things they shouldn't!  Heartworm medication does not protect against all intestinal parasites so it is still important to check your pets fecal sample every 6 months to a year!
  • If your pet has been off of Heartworm preventative for 6 months it is important to get them tested, this test is usually performed at your pets annual check up and most of the time it also includes being tested for Lyme, Anaplasma and Ehrlichia (3 Tick borne diseases).
  • Not all topical flea and tick preventative are made equally!  Be careful of cheap over the counter products they can be very harmful for your pet!  Please discuss with your veterinarian which product is best for your pets lifestyle.  Once again it's important to apply monthly if you dog is very social!  If a pet comes into our facility and has live ticks or fleas it is separated from the other pets and is treat appropriately.
  • Even indoor pets can get external and internal parasites!  They can hitch rides on people, pets, and pests as well as go through windows and screens.  
  • It is important to check your pets daily for ticks, and just because you may find a flea or tick on your pet doesn't mean the product is not working.  The flea or tick needs to feed off of your pet in order to die.  If you find several live fleas or ticks that are enlarged then you may want to change products or talk to the company.  Hint use a lint roller on your animals after being outside and hiking!  We had a post go viral 2 years ago with how awesome this works.
  • There are special bandanas and apparel that are an insect repellent, most owners seem fairly happy with them.  Chewie's carries these products and the company also makes beds, play pens and they last for many washes.  I always have my dogs wear shirts because it helps keeps the bugs from attaching to them or  biting them and keeps them clean.  
  • A very common bug bite is the black fly, they can leave bulls eye marks and they can be numerous.  Always check your dogs under arms, groin and belly for bites.  Sometimes they can turn into hotspots, rashes or become infected.  If your pet seems uncomfortable seek care, there are plenty ways to make your pet comfortable!
  • If you live in an area where your pet is exposed to a greater number of flea and ticks you may need to talk to your veterinarian about recommending a product, alternating products or even applying a product every 3 weeks.  Most products have only a certain amount of "active ingredient" once it's gone from the pets skin it may need to be re-applied before 4 weeks, this is something the company and veterinarian can decide.

We hope these tips help make for fun, safe warmer months ahead!

Bonnie

(With the support of Leia, Vada and Obi)

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