Getting Rid of Fleas & Ticks from Dogs and Cats

Written by: Karuna Subbiah

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Time to read 6 min

Are pesky fleas driving you and your furry friend up the wall? Do you dread the thought of these tiny blood-suckers causing havoc in your home? Well, fear not! There are numerous ways to put a stop to these annoying pests and keep your pets feeling comfortable and flea-free.


When it comes to fleas and tick prevention, you don't always have to rely on harsh chemicals and insecticides. Instead, there are many natural and safe options available to help keep your furry friend protected. From at-home remedies to veterinarian-approved treatments, we've got you covered!


Remedies include using insecticide sprays as these have been known to repel fleas. At-home remedies such as vacuuming your home frequently, especially areas where your pet likes to hang out, can also help reduce the flea population.


If you prefer to leave it to the professionals, your veterinarian can recommend a variety of flea-prevention options, such as monthly topical treatments (spot-ons and shampoos). These options can provide long-lasting protection against fleas and ticks, which means you can relax knowing that your pet is safe and sound.


So, whether you choose to take a natural approach or consult with a vet, there are plenty of options available to help keep your furry friend free from fleas. Say goodbye to those pesky pests and hello to a happier, healthier pet!

Fleas VS Ticks, What’s the Difference?

  • Ticks and fleas may seem like similar pests, but there are actually some notable differences between them. Ticks, for instance, are arachnids and are much larger than fleas. While fleas are insects with six legs and a pair of antennae, ticks have eight legs and can vary in size from the tip of a pencil to the size of a small grape. 


  • Additionally, ticks feed more slowly by feeding out of their mouths, which can take up to several days. In contrast, fleas bite multiple times and can jump up to 50 times their body length to find their next meal.


  • Another major difference between ticks and fleas is the diseases they can transmit. Fleas are notorious for spreading diseases such as tapeworms which can affect humans too. In contrast, ticks can spread a range of diseases including Lyme disease, tularemia, and ehrlichiosis. Therefore, it is important to take steps to prevent both fleas and ticks from infesting your pets.


  • There are many species of ticks, with some being more common than others. The black-legged tick, for instance, is responsible for spreading Lyme disease, while the lone star tick is known for spreading ehrlichiosis. On the other hand, the cat flea is the most common flea species, often found on the backs of cats and dogs.


  • Both ticks and fleas are small and can be difficult to spot, making prevention essential. To protect your pets from these pests, it is important to use flea and tick preventatives and to regularly check your pets for signs of infestation. With the right measures in place, you can ensure your furry friends remain healthy and happy, free from the irritation and health risks associated with fleas and ticks.

How do Fleas and Ticks Affect our Pets?

  • Fleas and ticks are not only annoying to our pets, but they can also pose a significant health risk. Ticks are notorious ectoparasites that latch onto the skin of animals and feed on their blood. The bites of these tiny creatures can cause red and irritated spots, and in rare cases, anaemia, when there are many ticks, latched onto our pets. 


  • When our furry friends go out on walks, hikes, or other outdoor activities, they can be exposed to sand fleas and ticks. This is why it's important to use tick control products or spot-on treatments, that can repel or kill ticks before they have a chance to attach to your pet's skin. Your veterinarian can recommend the best tick control products for your specific pet and their lifestyle.


  • In addition to being a nuisance to our pets, fleas and ticks can also cause infestations in their fur and skin. Flea infestations can cause our pets to scratch and bite themselves, leading to skin irritation and hair loss. To prevent flea and tick infestations, it is crucial to keep your pet's environment clean by vacuuming regularly and cleaning floors, surfaces, and bedding where your pet spends time. Pest control is recommended when there is a severe infestation.


  • By taking preventative measures and keeping your pet's environment clean, you can help protect them from these pesky parasites. Don't hesitate to consult with your veterinarian about the best flea and tick control products for your pet and keep them happy, healthy, and pest-free!

Are Fleas in Dogs Different from Fleas in Cats?

Dogs and cats can both be infested with fleas, however, the type of flea present in each animal may differ depending on its environment and habits. Dog flea and cat flea can be a problem in both dogs and cats, but some species of flea are more common in one animal than the other. For example, brown dog ticks are more commonly found on dogs, while other species of ticks, such as deer ticks, are more commonly found on cats.

Does Seasonal Change Bring More Fleas and Ticks?

  • As the seasons change, it's important to keep in mind that the activity of fleas and ticks can increase. While fleas are active year-round, their activity peaks during warmer months such as March to October. This is because warmer temperatures provide the ideal environment for fleas to breed and reproduce. As pet owners, it's important to be aware of this increased activity and take steps to protect our furry friends from these pesky parasites.


  • Ticks, on the other hand, are parasites that require blood to survive. This means that their activity is also affected by seasonal changes. Outdoor activities such as wilderness hikes can increase your exposure to ticks as they are typically found in wooded and grassy areas. During warm and wet weather, ticks can be active for longer periods of time, which means they may bite your pet more often. It's important to be aware of the most common ticks in your area and take steps to reduce your exposure to them.


  • By being aware of the seasonal changes and the activity of fleas and ticks, we can take steps to protect our pets. This can include using flea and tick prevention products recommended by our veterinarian, avoiding areas where ticks are prevalent, and checking our pets for ticks after spending time outdoors. With a little bit of knowledge and preparation, we can keep our furry friends happy and healthy year-round.

How to Get Rid of Fleas and Ticks in Dogs and Cats?

To get rid of fleas and ticks in your pets you can make use of the following methods:


  • Use tick collars, sprays, shampoos, or monthly "Spot On" medications.


  • Use bathing products specially formulated after coming indoors to wash off any ticks that may have crawled on them. 


  • Remove ticks and fleas right away as soon as you notice them.


  • Get your pet treated every two weeks during the summer months and every month during the winter months. Monthly spot-ons recommended to prevent infestation.


  • Be aware of tick-borne diseases in your area before selecting a tick repellent for your pet. 


  • Use a tick repellent specifically designed for your breed and size since not all flea treatments work the same on all pets.

Hooray, you have triumphed over those pesky fleas! Say goodbye to itchy, scratchy days and hello to a happier, healthier pet. Your furry friend can now wag their tail in joy, free from the constant discomfort. 


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