Summer is a wonderful time to enjoy the outdoors with our four legged friends. Walks through the woods, romps in the yard, and swimming on the beach are great ways to spend time with your pet and give them the exercise required to keep them happy and healthy.

One of the biggest concerns for pet owners this time of year is flea and tick prevention. Fleas and ticks are not only an irritating and uncomfortable problem for pets and their owners, but they can harbor and transmit a variety of diseases. There are many options out there to help combat these pests, and not every product is right for every pet. Most people are familiar with the chemical flea & tick preventative treatments available, but these are not right for everyone. Many pet parents are concerned with the effect of chemicals applied to their animals, and there are certain breeds that are more prone to issues with the ingredients in these medications. It’s always important to research any product thoroughly before beginning to use it, and discuss it with your vet.
Aside from staples like Advantix & Frontline, you may want to check out Flea Treats, the Shoo Tag, Diatomaceous Earth or even essential oil blends. If you have been looking for a more green choice in preventative treatments, these more natural (or all natural) options may work for you.

Ticks are a big issue on Cape Cod this time of year and even if you are vigilant with your prevention, you may still end up finding a few on your pet this summer. It’s worth it to give them a once over after walks and outdoor play times to be sure they are tick-free. Removing these pests can be intimidating at first, but there are ways to make it easier on you as well as your dog or cat. If your pet is unfortunate enough to be bitten by a tick, use tweezers (or a tick key) to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull it straight out. Twisting or squeezing the ticks body could potentially force more bacteria into the wound. After removal, swab the bite site with alcohol and keep the tick in a small film canister or jar to bring to your vet for testing. Always keep an eye on your pet to be sure the bite area does not get infected.

Keeping your pets safe this summer doesn’t mean you can’t have fun- so get out there and enjoy the weather!