Tick Control for Dogs and Cats
Managing ticks is easier when you follow this 3-step plan designed to treat and prevent infestation. Ticks most commonly attach to your pet's head, neck or paws. Most ticks feed from the host's blood for several days, and then detach until another blood meal is required for development. This process is repeated at three separate times in the life cycle, giving your pet many opportunities to become the host. During a female tick's life, approximately 3,000 eggs can be laid. These eggs are not affected by flea and tick treatments. The best way to prevent tick eggs from hatching is to protect both your pet and environment from an adult tick infestation. Follow label directions to ensure satisfactory results and safety.
Step 1. Your Pet.
Treat each of your pets for existing ticks, larvae and nymphs.
Topical spot-on treatments are easily administered each month and provide protection for up to 30 days.
Other options include flea and tick shampoo, dip, spray, powder, or flea and tick dog collars or cat collars.
Step 2. Your Home.
Vacuum carpets, baseboards and furniture. Wash or vacuum pet bedding. Premise treatments, designed to treat your home and surroundings are available in several forms. Use a flea and tick spray or carpet powder to treat surfaces and pet bedding. Foggers penetrate into hard-to-reach areas, including those where ticks might crawl. These treatments can be helpful in eliminating larvae as they emerge from eggs. Re-treatment may be necessary every 2 to 4 weeks until the infestation has been controlled.
Step 3. Your Environment.
Treat your outside environment to prevent re-infestation when your pet leaves the home. Use a yard spray to treat your lawn, kennel area, and anywhere that your pet rests. Ticks thrive in tall grass or under brush, shrubbery and leaf debris. Give particular attention to these and other cool, moist areas around your property. If your pet is a travel companion, a flea and tick spray should be used to treat your car.