Longer, warmer days mean more time in the grass — and more chances for your dog or cat to pick up fleas and ticks. A few small habits keep both pets comfortable and lower the risk of the illnesses these parasites can carry.
Make the check part of your routine
Run your hands over your pet after walks, hikes, or time in tall grass. Fleas gather where it is warm and hidden — the belly, the base of the tail, and around the head. Ticks can be as small as a pinhead before they feed, and they like to attach close to the head, neck, ears, and feet.
Sneaky spots worth a double-check
- Inside and around the ears
- Under the collar and on the chin
- Between the toes and paw pads
- In the “armpits” and groin
- Along the tail and under the belly
If you find a tick
Removing a tick quickly matters — most tick-borne illnesses need many hours of attachment to spread. Put on gloves, part the fur, and grasp the tick with fine-point tweezers as close to the skin as you can.
Pull straight up with slow, steady pressure. Do not twist or jerk, which can leave mouthparts behind. Drop the tick into a small jar of rubbing alcohol, then clean the bite and wash your hands. If you cannot get it out, call your vet.
Prevention that actually works
A year-round preventive is the backbone of protection. Ask your veterinarian which product fits your pet’s age, weight, and health — and never use a dog product on a cat, because some ingredients are toxic to cats.
- Keep grass trimmed and clear leaf litter where pets play
- Wash pet bedding regularly in hot water
- Do a quick check after every outing during peak season
A two-minute look after each walk, plus the right preventive, is the simplest way to keep flea and tick season uneventful. When in doubt, your vet is always the best guide.
