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Don't let your guard down with fleas and ticks in the Fall

Dr. Leah Greenberger, Belchertown Veterinary Hospital By Dr. Leah Greenberger, Belchertown Veterinary Hospital masslive.com
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on September 27, 2012 at 10:21 AM, updated September 27, 2012 at 11:26 AM
Don't forget the flea and tick medication this Fall.

This time of year, our tendency is to think that the flea and tick season is coming to an end, and to let our guard down. Whether you blame climate change or just the seasonal cycles, in Massachusetts we no longer have a clear end to fleas or ticks.

Once the first frost hits, there will be a mass exodus of fleas- seeking to survive the winter- by entering our homes! Once fleas get inside our homes, all pets within the home have to be treated with flea control for a minimum of 3 months before you will be flea-free again.

Ticks are often sheltered from die-offs, and we can see ticks well into the winter. Ticks carry many diseases, not just Lyme disease, so it is even more critical to keep up with the control at this time of year than any other.

Now is also a good time to remind folks that the knock-off flea and tick products can be dangerous or deadly, especially to cats. Please use Advantix (dogs only), Advantage Multi (cats), Vectra (through your vet only), or Frontline Plus as the only things that you buy. The manufacturers of these products stand behind them if you buy them from your vet, and if any failure occurs, they will refund your money.

Don’t forget about the flea and tick control this time of year, and even as you enjoy the fall foliage- remember the Frontline!
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