BRANTFORD, Ontario, June 30, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Beattie Animal Hospital in Brantford, Ontario is reminding pet owners to use medicated flea/tick prevention products this summer. According to the Brantford veterinarians, monthly treatments are the best way to prevent fleas and ticks. Treating fleas and ticks after the fact can be expensive and difficult, warns the animal hospital. Fleas and ticks carry diseases and parasites, including worms and Lyme disease. In addition to monthly medicated prevention products, the animal hospital recommends regular spot-checks after extended outdoor activities to help control fleas and ticks.
Protecting pets from fleas and ticks is an important part of responsible pet care. Beattie Animal Hospital is partnering with pet owners to raise awareness about the dangers of fleas and ticks during the summertime.
"The average pet store sells a wide variety of shampoos, sprays, powders, and monthly treatments," said the Brantford veterinarians at Beattie Animal Hospital. "Finding the right preventative product can be difficult. Our vet hospital is happy to answer any questions that pet owners may have and recommend specific products that are both safe and effective."
The animal hospital recommends medicated prevention rather than at-home remedies. While do-it-yourself remedies are gaining popularity, the animal hospital warns that these remedies lack the strength of preventative medication and can leave pets vulnerable to fleas and ticks.
"Fleas multiply overnight; a single female flea can lay up to 50 eggs per day," said the animal hospital. "A relaxed approach to flea prevention can lead to serious problems. Proactive care is essential to keep pets and homes free from fleas."
In addition to medication, the animal hospital recommends pet owners vacuum carpets, rugs and upholstery at least once per week. Pet owners should also wash all bedding using a hot temperature setting.
After extended outdoor playtime, especially in wooded areas or tall grass, the animal hospital recommends that pet owners spot-check their pets for fleas and ticks. Pets should stand over a white towel while pet owners run a comb through their pets fur. Any fleas will fall off and appear as dark specs on the towel. If a tick is already embedded in a pet's skin, sterilized tweezers must be used to remove the tick. Regular grooming is also important, say the vets.
"While preventative medication is extremely effective, pet owners should still spot-check their pets on a regular basis," said the animal hospital. "With tick and flea prevention, it is definitely better to be safe than sorry."
Beattie Animal Hospital is accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). In addition to flea/tick prevention, the animal hospital provides proactive wellness care services, including pet wellness exams, pet dental care and pet surgery.
Pet owners who would like to learn more about pet wellness care, including flea and tick prevention can visit the animal hospital's website http://www.beattieanimalhospital.com.