Flea and Tick Prevention for Pets

For pet owners in Albany, Clifton Park and surrounding area, you know it is important to provide your pet with regular exercise, a nutritious diet and lots of love. Pets are part of your family and pet owners need to understand the threats fleas and ticks and pose.Flea Removal Albany NY

The most common species of flea to affect domestic animals in the Capital Region is the cat flea. Fleas lay their eggs on their host, where they hatch and reproduce. Flea eggs can fall off the host onto home areas like carpets, pet bedding and areas where animals relax. Fleas are smalls and can cause itchy, red bumps leading to scratching. Fleas can lay up to 20 eggs per a day and can be difficult to eradicate without professional pest control assistance.

For any animals spending time outdoors, pet owners need to be aware of the dangers of ticks. Blacklegged ticks are most popular in Saratoga and the Capital Region and can transmit Lyme Disease. Some symptoms of Lyme Disease include fever, loss of appetite, painful joints, limping and lethargy. If your pet is not acting normal, contact your local veterinarian.

As the temperatures rise in Chatham, Schenectady and surrounding areas, pets will spend more time outdoors and be susceptible to ticks. The best way to protect your family, property and pets from pests is prevention. Below, The National Pest Management Association offers tips on, how to remove a tick, prevent tick bites and much more Capital Region pet owners should know to protect their pets from fleas and ticks.

• After walks or playtime outside, inspect your pet thoroughly. Brush their coat to remove any debris or insects. Be especially vigilant if your pet has been in wooded areas or high grasses, where pests thrive.
• Bathe dogs regularly, using a shampoo that can kill pests.
• Be on the lookout for skin irritations on your pet, such as bite marks or red, itchy skin. Excessive scratching is a good indicator that they have skin irritations.
• If your pet has long hair, consider having them groomed in the spring and summer, when ticks and fleas are most prevalent. Not only will this help to prevent insects from latching onto their long hair and help you to spot any that do, it will also help to keep your pet cool during the warmest time of the year.
• Consult with a veterinarian to determine if a preventative medicine is recommended for your pet.
• If you notice a change in your animal's behavior, such as lack of appetite or decrease in energy, take them to your veterinarian ASAP. This could be a sign of Lyme disease or other health issue caused by pests.
• Wash your pet's bedding, crate, toys, food bowls and sleeping areas on a regular basis.
• Keep your home clean and clutter-free to deter pest infestations and make it easy to spot any pests that do find their way indoors. Vacuum frequently and wash linens on a regular basis.
• Keep your lawn cut short and gardens well maintained to prevent breeding grounds for pests. Fleas and ticks often hide out in tall grasses.
• If you find a tick on your pet, remove it immediately, being careful to extract the head and mouth-parts completely. If your pet has fleas, bathe them and seek the consult of a veterinarian.
• If you suspect your home is infested with ticks or fleas, consider a tick treatment for your property.

Following these simple tips will allow you and your pet to enjoy many more days outside in the sunshine without the risk of pests. Contact your Albany exterminator at for tick prevention services or flea removal services. Thomas Pest Services offers free inspections to Chatham, East Greenbush, Saratoga and surrounding areas throughout the Capital Region.