Dear Porky and Buddy,
When do I start using flea preventatives for my cat and dog, Lulu and Sparky?
And once I start, how do I actually apply them? No one has ever really explained that to me.
Sam
Dear Sam,
Wouldn’t you know it? Now that we have finished complaining about the winter weather, it’s time to worry about what comes with this much anticipated warmer weather—bugs!
First, call your vet to get her recommendation for when to start flea preventatives and to find out which ones she prefers and why. That is a decision you need to make with your vet’s advice.
If you decide to go with one of the monthly topical medications, it helps to know how they work.
For these products, once they applied to the skin, the medication is absorbed by the skin, where it enters the bloodstream.
From there, it is distributed throughout the body.
So, remember, skin.
Administration of these medications requires your pet to remain still for a brief time.
The medication needs to be placed in an area that they cannot lick.
That means you need to place the medication on the skin between the shoulder blades.
You need to read the instructions on the medication to find out if the manufacturer recommends applying in one area or multiple areas. Hold the applicator upright and snap off the tip to allow the medication to flow out of the applicator.
Hold Lulu or Sparky still.
They can be standing, lying down or even sitting. Just make sure you can reach the area between their shoulder blades.
Place the tip of the applicator all the way through the hair and place directly against the skin.
Squeeze the applicator until all of the medication has flowed out.
Try to avoid getting a lot of the medication on the hair.
It’s useless there.
That’s really all there is to it—a simple process but one with huge health benefits for your pets.
So thanks for taking such good care of them.
The Oswego County Humane Society provides spay/neuter services and assistance, fostering and adoption of animals in urgent need, humane education programs, and information and referrals to animal lovers throughout Oswego County.
Located at 110 W. Second St., Oswego, NY.
Phone: (315) 207-1070.
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.oswegohumane.org
Because People and Pets Are Good for Each Other.
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THANK you for your informative column! This information was helpful, but more, reminders that animals get cold in winter and blistering hot in summer is a blessing, too! THANK YOU for what you do for those creatures that (former) owners have turned their backs on. We have to try to remember that unlike old shoes, clothes, and even books, Cats/Dogs/Horses, more … are living breathing creatures that we are given the PRIVILEGE of sharing this earth with. IF you adopt a cat/dog, etc., I hope people will find another home for when they feel they can no longer care for them. It is heartbreaking what happens to so many…