It's Tick Time

We are in the beginning of springtime and as it (s-l-o-w-l-y) warms up, all things come to life. Trees start budding, flowers start showing signs of life and of course along with all that the bugs also start to come alive. Now unless you live someplace like Fargo North Dakota (sorry, Princess), we need to start to be concerned with the tick and maybe even fleas.

Ticks are mostly generated to heavy wooded areas, so if you live in the BIG cities, I guess you don't have to worry about ticks as much as those of us that live in the country. Here in Northern AR ticks are showing to be VERY active this season.

As a Dog, I prefer to be outdoors on nice days, as well as my parents. So therefore, they make sure they take protective measures in making sure that I don't get eaten alive by Ticks (& Fleas). Once a month I get this nasty little liquid stuff put on the back on my neck. I try my best to rub it off, but to no avail-it stays on me. I guess it's a good thing that it does stays on me, for if a tick or flea bites me-they die...

Before the woods around here get so grown up with undergrowth, mom and dad like to do a little exploring. Well every time we go off into the woods, they get tiny little ticks on them, while I stay clean as a whistle. The ones that seem to be getting my parents are as tiny as a straight pin head, Those tiny little ticks seem to be leaving a nice size marking once removed. So mom & dad are having to put creams on to keep from getting infected. Too bad they don't make a chemical that can be put on them....

There are varies kinds of medicines out there for us pets that can be purchasd either at your local store, vetinarian or online. The number one reccommended mostly by vets is probably going to be Frontline. Frontlinenormally cannot be bought in a store, but by a vetiniarian or online. Frontlineis probably about the most expensive one out on the market today; but it is the best there is. It's also good if your pet gets wet alot as well.

Now, mom & dad don't use Frontline on me (Yeah, I'm worth it, but they have had good luck with this other one). Hartz puts out some good Flea & Tick drops and you can buy it at your local retailer for a lot less money. Mom & dad uses the Ulta Guard Plus and we seem to have good luck with it. The only difference between Frontline and Hartz Ultra Guard Plusis the fact the Frontline will work when wet. So if you are a pup that loves to be wet all of the time, then I suggest you tell your parents to use the Frontline. Now myself, I only like to get my feet wet and I don't go swimming too often.

Hartz makes other flea & ticks chemical well as other brands that is cheaper, but remember, you get what you pay for.  In other words my dad & mom personally don't think they work very well from thier own experience on past pets.

• When you purchase you flea & tick chemical, stay within the weight of what your dog weighs.  Too much chemical can be very harmful to your pet and too little is worthless. 
• Also, make sure you are getting the right one either for cat or dog.  Puppies or kittens under 12 weeks old should not be chemicaled until past the 12 weeks of age.
• Mark it on your calendar when you chemical your pet and keep up on it every 30 days.  Unless you live where it actually freezes and stays cold in the winter, you only need to chemical doing warm season.  If you live in states that don't freeze much (like Texas, Florida, Arizona, ect) then you need to stay on the chemical all year round.
• No matter what chemical you may choose to use, the tick and/or flea may still try to bite; Check your pet daily.  A tick may embed itself and then die, so therefore it may need to be removed.
• If a tick is embedded, make sure that when pulling you also get the head.  take your fingernails down as close to the skin as possible and pull staight up. Tweezers also work great.  The best way to rid yourself of that tick you just pull is by putting it in any kind of oil, or flush it down the toilet.
• Remember, just because your a kitty kat and you don't adventure outside what-so-ever, you still need to have the flea & tick chemical.  Your loving master may accidentally bring a tick in doors on their clothing or their body.
• You may think that because you are not always out doors that you need to be chemical, but just remember if you go on hikes, trails, camping or anywhere outdoors, you are vunerable, so you will need to be chemicaled.

So don't let those pesky ticks ruin your summer!  They do carry diseases and can be harmful.  So take all precaution and tell your masters to protect you! 

Happy Paws to You!