Warm Weather Pet Pests

Throughout the year, it’s important to keep up your fight against fleas and ticks. Fleas and ticks can both survive winter temperatures, especially if they are already inside where it’s warm. As spring arrives, you’ll be spending more time outside with your pet, increasing his exposure to these pests. Vacuum your house often to reduce the risk of fleas, paying special attention to areas where your pet spends much of his time. Mow your lawn and prune back shrubs and trees to limit the potential hiding spots for ticks. Talk to your veterinarian in San Jose about putting your pet on a year-round preventative medication, as fleas and ticks can be health hazards as well as general nuisances. Check out this infographic to learn more about protecting your pet from these pests. Please share with your friends and family!

WARM WEATHER PET PESTS DID YOU KNOW? TICKS CAN SURVIVE WINTER TEMPERATURES if they have a host or place to hide FLEAS grow and reproduce best in temperatures between 65-80 °F with Ticks can still be a threat 75-85% HUMIDITY even when the temperatures are around 45 °F Only prolonged periods of 30 °F OR BELOW temperatures WILL KILL OFF FLEAS FLEAS WHERE THEY COME FROM Flea eggs can be found almost anywhere in an outside environment They can even be found in your home! Fleas and/or flea eggs can be carried around via wildlife, pets, and our clothing WHAT CONDITIONS THEY NEED Flea pupae may remain dormant for over a year until conditions are right Pupae can live inside or outside, and will emerge in moderate temperatures If you keep your house relatively warm you provide an ideal environment for fleas! The right temperature and the vibrations of our movement can trigger pupae to hatch and attach WHAT YOU CAN DO TO FIGHT FLEAS Vacuum your house often, especially areas where your pet hangs out Regularly wash your pet's bedding material in hot water Talk to your veterinarian about the best flea preventative for your pet Thankfully, there are a variety of preventatives to choose from that range froma topical to oral method Check your pet for fleas each time he comes inside TICKS WHERE THEY COME FROM Ticks are most commonly found in wooded areas or areas with tall grasses and brush WHAT CONDITIONS THEY NEED Ticks prefer areas with a relatively high humidity and can survive during mild winters Generally temperatures above 45 °F They are more active during the warmer months WHAT YOU CAN DO TO FIGHT TICKS TICK PREVENTATIVE Due to the moderate year-round temperatures we experience, we recommend a monthly tick preventative all year More so for those pets that go hiking, camping, and/or are generally running through tall-grassed areas Keep your yard maintained by keeping grass short and shrubs trimmed Keep wildlife exposure to a minimum if possible When they run through your yard, you run the risk of introducing ticks to your area Provided by: DE ANZA VETERINARY CLINIC www.DEANZAVET.COM Sources: www.cesarsway.com/dog-care/flea-and-tick/how-to-protect-your-dog-against-fleas -and- ticks www.petmd.com/dog/seasonal/evr_multi_flea_tick_mosquito_care_during_winter

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