Fleas and ticks on your fur-kid, oh my! That’s right pet parents; it is flea and tick season once again. Whether you live in the city, suburbs, or out in the country, fleas and ticks are prevalent no matter where you reside, so don’t let your surroundings fool you, your pet is prone to these parasites regardless. But don’t be alarmed, there are several ways to prepare yourself and protect your pet from these little buggers. The most important thing is becoming knowledgeable about fleas and ticks and then taking the necessary steps to prevent your pet from becoming a target.

Here are a few facts about fleas and ticks that you should know:

• Flea and tick season begins when the temperature rises above freezing at night and when temperatures are between 65 to 80 degrees, and areas of high humidity
• Fleas live in dark places such as sand, dirt, cracks and crevices indoors and out. Ticks lie in wait in wooded and grassy areas to attach themselves to living creatures that brush by. Both are attracted to warm-blooded animals and feed on blood.
• Fleas and ticks are not only dangerous to your pet but can also transmit certain types of diseases to you and your family members
• A tick must be attached to your pet from anywhere between 5 to 24 hours to transmit disease such as Lyme as well as diseases that cause neurological and blood problems, paralysis, and arthritis and organ failure.
• Flea bites cause itching, which can be severe for those allergic to the flea's saliva. When a dog has fleas and licks or bites its skin, it can ingest fleas carrying tapeworm larva, which could then develop into full grown tapeworms in the dog's digestive tract.
• The best place to look for fleas is near their back by the base of the tail,and in areas where there is less fur, such as on the stomach and around the back legs.

With all of this in mind, remember that it is easy to prevent fleas and ticks using spot treatments such as Frontline.

How to treat fleas and ticks:

Purchase a three, six or twelve month supply of preventative at your vet, from Avery's online boutique or a local pet store. Follow the label for application instructions, but most products are applied between the shoulder blades of your pet once a month.

Prevention is the best medicine. DO NOT wait until you see fleas or ticks on your pet’s skin to begin treatment. This could result in a major flea or tick infestation. In addition to using topical preventative medication, regularly check your pet for fleas and ticks, especially after they come in from being outdoors.

To learn how to apply the Frontline flea and tick medication to your fur-kid, take a look at the following videos:

• Applying Frontline to your cat

• Applying Frontline to your dog

You are now armed with all the necessary knowledge to be a responsible pet parent this spring. Remember, your pet’s health is in your hands so stay informed and have fun frolicking in the beautiful spring time weather!