How to Protect Your Pets from Summertime Pests

Summer pests can be a nuisance for both us and our pets. For pets that spend quite a bit of their time outdoors, however, the danger of getting fleas, ticks, and other common summertime pests is higher. And even if your pet only goes outside to potty, that doesn’t mean that they are not susceptible to bug bites as well. Here are some precautions that you can take to help make sure your pets are protected from summer pests.

Keep your lawn tidy

Different pests, but especially ticks, love tall grass. It’s their favorite hiding place, so keep your grass cut short. Pay special attention to trimming tall grass around sidewalks, flowerbeds, outdoor furniture, and any other space you and you pets might frequent. Ticks carry many diseases that can be deadly to your pets, so don’t let your yard get overgrown, or you’re risking your pet’s health.

Protect from mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are another pest that can cause great harm to your pets. They are known carriers of heartworms and West Nile virus, two diseases that can greatly affect your cat’s or dog’s health. Since these insects are more active at dusk and dawn, try to keep your pets inside at these times of the day. Leaving standing water around is another no-no when it comes to protecting your pets from mosquitoes. Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water and you do not want even more mosquitoes in your outdoor space.

Keep your pets clean

Another good way how to keep your pets bug bite-free is to shampoo your pets regularly and keep them clean. Sweat and dirt are insect magnets. You can even use bug repellent shampoo when washing your pet, as it will further ensure that no mosquito is coming near your dog or cat.

Check for fleas and ticks

You also should check your pet’s coat for fleas and ticks regularly. These insects need to be found before they can start causing trouble. Remove ticks as soon as you see them, and make sure that you remove the whole tick and don’t leave any part of it behind. As for fleas, treat your pet as soon as you notice signs of fleas. It doesn’t take long for one flea to turn into an infestation. You can use a flea collar or flea shampoo.

Use flea medication

If flea prevention doesn’t work, you will need to employ something like flea medication to treat your pup or kitty from those nasty fleas. Just remember that there are several types of flea medication on the market today and not all are created equally. Most of these medications are safe for pets but some have side effects. Watch your pet carefully after the application of such medication to make sure that their health isn’t endangered.

Seal Holes and Cracks

Pests want to get inside your home, but don’t give them the opportunity to do that. You should at least keep your indoors space a pest-free safe haven for your pets as well as yourself. How to make that happen? Find and seal all holes and cracks that pests could use to get indoors. Also, make sure that your doors and windows seal properly.

Protecting your pets for insects and bugs is extremely important, because pests can transmit heartworms and other diseases that can harm your little furball. Use the above-mentioned tips to take the necessary steps to protect your pets from pests.

Related: 10 Tips for Bringing Your Dog to the Beach

About the Author

Karen Thompson is the main editor of InsectCop.net, an insect and pest control advice blog that helps people prevent a pest infestation or combat it if one has already occurred.