In our previous post, Pet Pest: Fleas and Ticks, we shared the importance and ways to protect your pet from fleas and ticks. We also discussed senior pets susceptibility from these pesky fleas and ticks.
There are so many myths about fleas and ticks. As a pet parent, it is very important for you to know and understand these misconceptions.

3 Important Myths About Fleas and Ticks

1) Cold Weather Kills Fleas and Ticks
There will be a decrease of fleas and ticks presence during colder months. However …
a) Fleas thrive above 65 degrees in which they find homes as a perfect winter sanctuary.
b) Ticks find refuge too in warm locations and capable of surviving cold temperatures especially when they are able to find a host to feed from.

 Fleas and Ticks prevention is essential throughout the year.

2) City Pets Don’t Get Fleas and Ticks
Many city pets travel and therefore import fleas and ticks back into the city. Ticks live in the ground, tips of grasses, shrubs and foliage. There are also wildlife in the city that bring fleas and ticks.

3) Indoor Cats Don’t Get Fleas and Ticks
Many cats are strictly indoors and do not need pn a preventive because they are not a risk. Yes, their risk is lower but pesky fleas and ticks can find a way to get into your home. Protect your indoor cats.
Safety Reminder: Read labels carefully to make sure you are using a product that is labeled for use in cats. Cats can become very ill and even die from an incorrect application of dog flea and tick treatment.

Every pet parent needs to be aware of these myths in order to maintain their pets’ good health and well being.

Seresto Collar: Protects Cats and Dogs from Fleas and Ticks for 8 months
Seresto Collar is a topical alternative and easy-to-use flea and tick control. It has a release technology which promises to deliver an eight month consistent protection.

For the past 4 weeks, Sugar is wearing a Seresto collar. The collar is light, soft and most importantly odorless. It does not have a greasy residue and completely water proof. Sugar went swimming and took a bath wearing the collar. With Seresto’s continuous release technology, it allows the collar to quickly replenish any medication that may have washed off during contact with water. However, it lessens the months of effectiveness from 8 to 5.

Seresto Collar: 2014 Better Homes and Gardens: Best New Product Award

As a pet parent, I am pleased to learn and use Seresto Collar by Bayer to protect my senior dog Sugar from pesky fleas and ticks.

To learn more about Seresto Collar and other products of Bayer, we invite you to check PetParents.com. Sign-up and save $20 on Seresto.

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Bayer/Seresto and the Pet Blogger Network. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Seresto product but Golden Woofs only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Bayer/Seresto is not responsible for the content of this article.

Protect Your Pet from Fleas and Ticks
Fleas and ticks are the most common external parasite (ectoparasite) of dogs and cats. Parasites can invade your pet any time of the year. Be a responsible pet parent, protect your pet from fleas and ticks. It is important to protect your pet by implementing a year-round parasite control program.

Fleas and Ticks

Fleas are wingless insects that have six legs and can jump. Fleas thrive in warm temperatures, high humidity and prolific in the summer months. Fleas can transmit tapeworm infection. Fleas are also known to give pets Allergy Dermatitis and skin irritation.

Ticks are scary arachnids. Unlike fleas that jump off, ticks crawl up. Ticks attach themselves to the skin and feed on blood. The most common that affect a dog are Brown and American dog ticks. Ticks are hardier than fleas and tougher to kill because they can survive near freezing temperatures. Ticks are known to transmit deadly Lyme disease.

Ways To Protect Your Pet
There are many ways to protect your pet against these pesky fleas and ticks.

1) Pet Care

• Comb your pet regularly and use a flea comb
• Bathe your pet and use a product that guards/kills fleas and ticks
• Regularly clean your pet’s bedding

2) Home

• Vacuum frequently and dispose the bag immediately as fleas can live in rugs, carpets, cracked floors, beddings etc.
• Take care of your lawn, weekly mowing to the proper height reduces fleas and ticks

3) Flea and Tick Products

• There are numerous flea and tick products in the market. Be a smart pet parent. Select the product to best suit your pet’s need. Any concerns on product types and ingredients, consult/discuss with your veterinarian.

Looking for additional information, PetParents.com is a great resource.

Senior Pets Susceptibility
Older pets tend to be susceptible to many diseases. Extra protection is needed for safety since many senior pets become more sensitive to flea bites. Senior pets’ also have a weaker/aging immune system and drier skin. 

Many dog breeds like Golden Retrievers are allergic to flea bites. For the past 12 years, Sugar incurred several minor flea and ticks encounters. It was immediately caught and several precautions were taken. As Sugar continues to age, protecting her from pesky fleas and ticks is a priority. This year, I’ve elected to use a Seresto Flea and Tick collar.

Seresto Collar: New Option for Flea and Tick Protection
Seresto Flea and Tick Protection Collar for Dogs won the 2014 Better Homes and Gardens: Best New Product Award.

Sugar is currently wearing a Seresto Collar, providing reliable 8 month flea and tick protection. There is no need to remember monthly applications as it continuously supplies active ingredients to ensure defense from pesky fleas and ticks. I will share more about it next month on our Seresto Collar Review post.

What flea and tick protection do you use for your pet?

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Bayer/Seresto and the Pet Blogger Network. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Seresto product but Golden Woofs only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Bayer/Seresto is not responsible for the content of this article.