Winter is coming closer, meaning colder days and even colder nights. Does this mean I can skip on my furbaby’s tick and flea preventative programme? The answer is a definite NO!

 

South Africa’s general temperatures during winter are still warm enough for nasty parasites to take ‘cover’ in your cat or dog’s fur. Fleas continue to breed and multiply while being snug and warm against your pet’s skin. Therefore, it is important to continue with your pet’s treatment throughout the winter.

 

Ticks also continue to hide in tall grass, waiting in anticipation for your cat or dog to pass, so that they can hitch a free ride while feasting on your pet’s blood. It is so important to check your cats and dogs regularly to see if you don’t find any nasty parasites on them.

 

In hiding

Just because you don’t see fleas on your pet, doesn’t mean that they’re not there! Cats groom themselves and often digest fleas and their dirt (consisting of dried blood and flea faeces). But flea eggs are so tiny that you often don’t see them. So, instead of being ignorant about their existence, rather keep up with your pet’s treatment.

 

Variety of product

There are many parasite preventative programmes available on the market – from shampoos, powders, spot-ons, collars and chewables. Some digestible products work for a month, and some for three months at a time. Speak to your vet to find out which kind of product is the best for your pet and then come to Imperial Pets where one of our assistants can help you to choose a product that suits your pet and your pocket.

 

Deworm

A very important aspect of keeping fleas at bay is to deworm your cat and dog every three months. Fleas and worms work together through cycles and the only way to break the cycle is by deworming your pet and keeping up with the preventative programme.

 

Hygienic home

Unfortunately, it is not that easy to get rid of fleas in the home. These parasites are clever in that they hide and breed in cosy places, waiting for your pet to pass so they that can jump on. It is very important that you vacuum your house, carpets, furniture and your pets’ bedding once a day, if possible. Then, you will also have to clean out the vacuum cleaner afterwards if you want to get rid of these nasties. Next you will have to wash your dog’s bed once a week with hot water, if possible and dry it out in the sun. This will also help to get rid of ticks and fleas.

 

Removing ticks

Every time that you take your dog for a walk, especially if it was in tall grass, you need to check your dog for ticks. When you spot one, remove it with a sterilised tweezer, but be careful when you do. You need to get as close as possible to your dog’s skin, without pinching the skin, and then slowly pull the tick away from the skin. If you pull too hard or too fast, the head of the tick can stay behind and form an infection in your dog’s skin. Immediately clean the area with a pet safe sanitiser. Place the tick in a small amount of medical alcohol before flushing it away.

If you’re too squeamish to remove the tick from his skin by yourself, take your pet to the vet as soon as possible.

 

Still not sure what to do or which products to use? Our friendly staff will gladly assist you and make sure that your pet is happy.

 

Professional products

As with anything in life, there are many products to choose from, and normally you get what you pay for. But we definitely want to warn you against ‘home concoctions’ for a variety of reasons. You don’t know for sure what ingredients are in the product, you don’t know how it was processed, and most importantly, has the concoction been tested properly? The last thing that you want is for your pet to be allergic to one of the ingredients, or fall ill.

It is safer to go with professional products that you can trust. The tick and flea products that we stock at Imperial Pets are products that have proven themselves in the market. They are scientifically tested and you know you can trust them too.

The products that we recommend may cost a little more, but your pet will love you for taking their health into consideration.

Bravecto Spot-on range of products are formulated for the treatment of ticks, fleas and mite infections in cats and dogs. In cats, the product lasts for 3 months, and 4 months in dogs. This means you don’t have to remember every month to buy the products.

NexGard Spectra protects dogs against ticks, fleas and a variety of worms, including Spirocerca Lupi.

Marltons offers a range of products to protect your pet against tick, flea and worm infestation.

 

Meet us

We invite you to bring your dog with you and visit us at Garden and Pet Centre Brakpan so that we can chat about the products that will be best suited for your pets. While you’re here, have a look at the huge range of pet food at the best prices in Brakpan. And not to mention the amazing range of treats and other pet accessories.

Spoil yourself and your dog with an outing and come and meet us. We will surprise you with our excellent service, clean and professional premises at a great location. Come and experience the Imperialistic Effect right on your doorstep.