Keeping Fleas and Ticks Away from Pets During the ‘Dog Days of Summer’
LA Animal Services Media Contacts:
Agnes Sibal-von Debschitz, (213) 482-9512 or agnes.sibal@lacity.org
Justin Khosrowabadi, (213) 482-9551 or justin.khosrowabadi@lacity.org
Keeping Fleas and Ticks Away from Pets During the ‘Dog Days of Summer’
Los Angeles, August 7, 2020 — As we are now in the midst of the Dog Days of Summer (July 22 – August 22, 2020), which follows the rising of the star system Sirius that Greek and Roman astrology and is connected with heat, drought, thunderstorms and bad luck, for our pets, this bad luck could mean fleas and ticks.
Fleas and ticks can cause discomfort, itchiness, allergic reactions, and can carry more serious diseases. The chance that your pet may get fleas or ticks depends on where you live and the environment around you.
Fleas thrive in warmer weather, but may go dormant during the winter in colder areas. Fleas hide in your dog’s hair, and a heavy infestation can have the lower back near the tail look like it has been sprinkled with pepper. Fleas may also cause tapeworms.
Ticks are more than a nuisance as they may transmit Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Ticks tend to live in wooded areas or areas with high grass so be sure to thoroughly check your pet after a walk or a hike in the woods.
- Ask your veterinarian to recommend a flea product for your dogs and cats.
- Wash bedding in hot, soapy water.
- Vacuum all floors thoroughly and throw away the vacuum bag.
- Treat your yard with a non-toxic treatment such as sprays or pellets.
- Set off non-toxic flea bombs in your house.
- Repeat this process every 2 weeks until the fleas are gone.
###
Los Angeles Department of Animal Services is one of the largest municipal shelter systems in the United States with six services centers serving approximately 60,000 animals annually and responding to 20,000 emergency calls involving an animal or person in danger. LA Animal Services promotes and protects the health, safety, and welfare of animals and people. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
