GREENBRAE, Calif., July 14, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Redwood Pet Clinic in Greenbrae, California is warning pet owners about the importance of summertime flea and tick prevention. According to the veterinary clinic, a single female flea can lay up to 50 eggs per day, quickly causing a serious flea infestation problem for pets and people. Ticks can carry deadly diseases, including Lyme Disease. The vet clinic recommends medicated flea and tick preventative products over natural remedies. When used correctly, the vet clinic says that monthly treatments are a safe and effective way to keep pets tick and flea-free.
Greenbrae veterinarian Dr. Genevieve Manchester recently shared new summer flea and tick prevention tips. The veterinarian is working to educate pet owners about the dangers of fleas and ticks and the importance of proactive prevention.
"Fleas and ticks pose a serious health threat to pets during the warmer summer months," said Dr. Manchester, a veterinarian with Redwood Pet Clinic . "Preventing fleas and ticks is far easier and less expensive than treating fleas and ticks after the fact."
In addition to being difficult to eradicate, Dr. Manchester warns that fleas carry worms and cause allergic dermatitis. Ticks also carry disease; pets can contract Lyme Disease from an infected tick bite.
According to Dr. Manchester, fleas and their eggs can live in grass, soil and even the crevices on the sidewalks, in addition to taking up residence on indoor rugs, carpets, bedding and upholstery. A single female may lay up to 50 eggs a day, which can quickly cause an infestation.
"Proactive pet care is the best way to stop fleas before they get started," said Dr. Manchester. "In addition to flea medication our Greenbrae veterinarians recommend regularly vacuuming carpeting and washing all bedding in hot water, at least once every week. Preventing fleas and ticks requires a multi-faceted approach."
After pets spend time outside, Dr. Manchester recommends pet owners check their pets for fleas and ticks. Pets should be combed outside while standing over a white towel. Any fleas that fall off will appear as dark specs on the towel. If a tick is found, it should be removed using sterilized tweezers.
Dr. Manchester recommends checking pets after extended outdoor playtime, especially if pets are playing in a wooded area, underneath trees, or in a field with tall grass.
The veterinarian also addressed safety concerns about flea/tick prevention products. While some pet owners have expressed concerns over the safety of medicated flea/tick prevention products, Dr. Manchester says that with correct use, these products are safe for dogs and cats, including younger puppies and kittens.
"When used correctly, medicated flea and tick prevention products offer the best protection for pets," said Dr. Manchester. "Redwood Pet Clinic is happy to recommend products that are safe for younger pets."
Pet owners can learn more about flea and tick prevention at http://www.redwoodpetclinic.com .
Redwood Pet Clinic 888-667-5235
