October 2023 Update: This blog mentions a product, BactroBug, that has since been discontinued, but we feel the information presented is still useful. Please view our other products that can aid in sanitation and pest prevention.
Did you ever notice that a bad day instantly gets better when you spend time with a beloved pet? Whether you watch your cat chasing the little red light at the end of a laser toy, play fetch with your dog or let your hamster crawl around on your lap; you end up smiling.
Unfortunately, pets can also bring fleas and ticks into your home. Ticks are known to transmit Lyme disease, which means every pet owner needs an effective way to eliminate fleas and ticks. In this article, we’ll answer the most common questions about fleas and ticks.
How can I tell if my pet has fleas?
Cats, dogs, hamsters (and humans) occasionally have an itch they want to scratch. That doesn’t mean you worry as soon as your pet starts itching. So, how can you tell if it’s something you should be concerned about?
The easiest way to tell if your pet has fleas is to simply look at their fur. If you see any type of movement in their fur or see tiny bugs bouncing off their coat, it’s a sign of fleas. Also, look for ‘flea dirt’, little specks of dirt on the fur. Flea combs can be used on dogs and cats to pick up these small specks. If you notice your hamster is shedding hair, it could be a sign of fleas or mites.
If I find a tick on my dog, how do I remove it?
The American Kennel Club provides this advice on removing a tick:
- Using fine-point tweezers, spred the dog’s fur and grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
- Very gently, pull straight upward, in a slow, steady motion. This prevents the tick’s mouth from breaking off and remaining embedded in the skin.
- After removing the tick, wash your hands thoroughly, clean the bite site with rubbing alcohol and rinse the tweezers with a disinfectant.
How can I prevent fleas and ticks without harsh chemicals?
Pet owners who are looking for a non-toxic way to keep their homes and their pets free from fleas and ticks like the fact that BactroBUG is free from chemicals. Many of the chemicals used in flea and tick collars or insect spray repellents are recognized as environmental hazards. This can be rather troubling if you have babies or young children in their homes.
Here’s how to use BactroBUG for flea and tick control:
Treat your pet. Hold your pet with one hand and starting at your pet’s hind quarter, softly back stroke the pet’s fur so you expose the skin. Mist BactroBUG all over your pet, massaging the product deep into the coat. When you get to the animal’s face, use your hand as a shield over it’s eyes.Do not spray directly into the eyes. If you accidentally get some into the eyes, just rinse with water.
Treat your home. Spray a mist of BactroBUG on your pet’s bed and pillows plus all other fabric in the home such as: carpets, drapes, furniture cushions, bedspreads, mattress and box springs throughout the entire house. Don’t forget to mist soiled clothes that are in hampers or the laundry room.
Repeat the process. BactroBUG provides 30 to 90 days of protection. So, depending on the number of pets you have in your home, you can adjust the timing of your treatments.
Ticks Becoming More Prevalent
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approximately 476,000 Americans are diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease each year. Shorter winters give ticks more time to grow. And, a warmer climate has led to the lone star tick, normally found only in the south, to move to northern states. Using BactroBug is a non-toxic way to protect everyone in your family from the health concerns that can be attributed to ticks and fleas. When you order BactroBUG, you can keep your pets and family members safe without using dangerous toxins.
