'Tis The Season for Fleas & Ticks

If you haven't already, this is the time of year pet owners will start to seriously consider how they are going to protect their pets from ticks, fleas & other biting bugs. A common first thought is to call the veterinarian & make an appointment to purchase medications. While this may be necessary, we are seeing more and more pet parents questioning the safety of these medications, due to the side effects and are in search of more natural ways to protect their pets. 

What are ticks & fleas?

The short answer is they are parasites that survive on other living things, stealing all the hard-earned nutrients for themselves. If that fact alone isn't enough to earn their names as pests, they can also carry dangerous infections and diseases that can be passed on to pets. 

When & where are our pets susceptible to fleas & ticks?

Pets are most at risk of these pests during the warmer months, usually, any time temperatures are above zero degrees typically from March - November in Ontario. However, with recent warmer winter temperatures, we are seeing an influx of fleas and especially ticks this year with many people commenting that this year they have seen a large increase. 

Ticks are mainly found in high grassy, wooded & bushy areas throughout Ontario but can also be found anywhere including your backyard. Mosquitos are most prevalent in forest-type areas and closer to water. 

How keeping your pets healthy can help.

It is a common belief that a healthy dog attracts fewer pests. Below are some tips for bug season:

• Feed your pets a species-appropriate diet
• Avoid chemicals, including pesticides, fertilizers & toxic cleaners
• Minimize vaccines & pharmaceutical drugs when possible
• Add freshly fine diced organic garlic to their raw food (allow to sit for 10 mins before adding it to your dog’s raw food (during flea & tick season)
• A repellant collar is encouraged for dogs that are at a higher risk because of their environment.