Picture it: you’re locked down and at home a whole lot more; the dog is thrilled (the cat probably less so!). You’re getting to spend some quality time with the family, not to mention making the most of the exercise allowance. And then the dog starts itching.
Fleas are a common problem, and spring is one of the worst times of the year for them. And with everything going on, it’s not unlikely that you forgot to keep up with your pet’s preventatives. After all, they hardly seem ‘essential’ right now – or perhaps your vet needs to re-assess your pet before prescribing any more flea prevention. Either way,
1. Talk to your vet
Vets are considered essential and are open during lockdown. They also have to consider public health and the risk of spreading the disease to their clients and staff. This means that vets are open on an ‘emergency-only’ basis. Only seeing things in the clinic that are life-threatening or severe threat to welfare. But now we’ve got things a little more under control, many vets are offering to post out flea and worm preventatives, or provide a delivery service. If your pet is due a check-up, a temporary relaxation in the prescribing rules means they can do an examination using a video consultation in order to get your pets what they need. They may also be able to offer a non-prescription alternative that is suitable for your location and pet.
2. Don’t forget the cats and rabbits!
Whilst lots of people may flea treat their dog, the cats – especially if they spend a lot of time outside – are sometimes forgotten. However, cats are very prone to picking up
3. Apply a flea spray to the house
Veterinary-strength flea sprays for the house contain a long-acting insecticidal. They help to keep the flea eggs and adult
4. Wash all bedding at a high temperature
Washing your pet’s bedding at 60C or more is a good way to ensure any
5. Social distancing for dogs
If your dog has normal flea prevention on board, the chance of them picking up
Protecting your pets, your home, and your family from
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