Ticks, fleas, and insects, oh my!: summer pet pests to watch out for

During the summer months, pet owners everywhere love to let their animals off their leash so they can run and play in the gorgeous weather. Your dog might appreciate getting to spend some time running around in the yard, but if you’re not careful, a simple visit to the local park can end with a call to your local veterinarian. Summer is the worst time for ticks, fleas, and many other common pet-loving pests. Be on the lookout for these common signs of problem pests, and if you see any, bring your furry friend to your local veterinary clinic as soon as possible.

Ticks

Ticks are often a vector of diseases that can be seriously harmful to your pet’s health, so if you notice a tick after an outdoor excursion with your pet, it’s best to respond as quickly as possible. Ticks will latch onto your pet quickly and can be painful, but are also small enough where they may be difficult to spot. Look for a small black or dark brown bug; it may be buried in their fur, so search carefully.

Fleas

Fleas, while not as potentially harmful as ticks, are still a serious health concern for both your pet and you. Flea bites itch, and a flea can live more than 100 days without a blood meal. A few fleas can be a sign of many more being present, since they and their eggs are often hard to spot. Fleas will look like very small dark dots in your animal’s fur, and may sometimes jump around. Take your pet to your local veterinary hospital as soon as you notice signs.

Other Insects

While fleas and ticks are some of the most common pests your pets will face, there are other insects that can be problematic as well. Dogs, in particular, can get a bit too curious about a beehive, spider web, or anthill, for example, and end up with bites. In most cases, these won’t be serious issues, but if you’re unsure, contact your local veterinarian just to be safe.

Summer is peak pest season, but with the right help from your veterinarian, you can keep your furry friends safe. For more information or to learn about general pet health subjects, contact BVSPCA today.