The crisp air, falling leaves, and pumpkin spice everything! You may think with the fall season, fleas and ticks are behind us. Fall flea and tick prevention is more important now than in any other season. Did you know the number of fleas on animals can almost double in the fall? In the autumn, there is generally more precipitation and milder temperatures. These conditions are a breeding ground for fleas. 

Ticks live all year long and can survive the worst conditions. As a matter of fact, ticks can live an entire year without feeding! 

Fleas and ticks are more than irritants; they can cause serious health issues for your pets. Below are simple steps you can take to help protect your furkids. 

1. Treat for fleas and ticks all year

Continue your routine flea and tick treatment through the fall and winter months.  

2. Check the date on all of your flea and tick products.

Have you been hanging on to last year’s flea or tick products? Before using them on your pet, check the expiration date. Out-of-date products can lose their effectiveness. You should also check with your vet to see if new products on the market might work better. 

3. Use the right treatment on the proper animals.  

Never use products meant for dogs on cats or vice versa. Some treatments made for dogs contain ingredients that are toxic to cats. They can cause severe reactions that will require emergency vet care. Be sure always to use products as they are intended. 

4. Check your pets for ticks regularly. 

If you and your pet have been in an area that might have ticks, do a tick check as soon as you get indoors. Check skin, ears, and armpits. 

Not every tick transmits disease, but it is still a good idea to consult your vet if your pet has been bitten. You will also need to monitor your pet for changes in behavior, such as lethargy, limping, or loss of appetite. 

5. Groom your pet.

Grooming is a great way to spend quality time with your pet. It also helps you look for external parasites hiding under your pet’s hair coat.

6. Keep up with the yard work.

Ticks like high grass, so it is important to keep your lawn mowed. Fleas prefer warm, moist, shady areas with organic debris. Raking leaves, brush, and clippings from your yard will give fleas fewer places to hide and breed.

7. Keep bedding and environment clean

Wash pet bedding regularly and vacuum frequently. 

8. Make regular vet appointments.

One important thing your veterinarian does during your pet’s routine checkup is to examine them for any signs of parasite problems. If the product you are using isn’t working, your vet can recommend a better solution.