A five-step plan for keeping your pet safe from fleas and ticks

(ARA) - Protecting your pet from harmful fleas and ticks is a vital part of pet care. And since this summer is projected to be unusually rainy and warm, extra caution is needed. Fleas and ticks not only irritate your pet, but are capable of transmitting serious diseases like Lyme disease and flea allergy dermatitis.

There are about 20,000 reported cases of Lyme disease annually in the U.S. Furthermore, the likelihood of being exposed to ticks, and subsequently to diseases transmitted by ticks, is about 10 to 20 times greater than it was 10 years ago, according to the Companion Animal Parasite Council.

Dr. Melinda Fernyhough, veterinarian and manager of scientific affairs at Hartz, offers tips on how to help your pet avoid the dangers of fleas and ticks, and considerations when purchasing and applying flea and tick treatments to ensure best results.

"Health and safety is the number-one priority for pet parents, and there are several reliable products available at your veterinarian, local retail or pet specialty store that can help keep pets free from fleas and ticks all year round," says Fernyhough.

* Choose the appropriate flea and tick treatment. Several types of products exist that can help prevent fleas and ticks - shampoos, collars, and the most popular form of protection: topicals, or spot-ons. These monthly applications go on the back of your pet's neck or are striped down the back, depending on the manufacturer, and keep your pet pest-free for 30 days. A great example is Hartz UltraGuard Pro Flea %26 Tick Drops, designed to kill fleas and ticks on your pet and prevent new fleas from developing. All EPA-registered flea and tick products, whether sold in vets' offices or through retail channels, are held to the same safety and efficacy testing standards.

* Carefully follow label directions when applying topical flea and tick treatments.

Make sure to follow the manufacturer's weight recommendation - you don't want to put too much product (or too little) on your dog by misjudging the weight. Use the entire tube on one animal - don't split one dose between several animals. Never use a dog product on a cat, and if you have both animals, you need to keep them separated for 48 hours after applying treatments. Read the label carefully and don't be afraid to call the manufacturer if you have questions.

* Regularly check your pet for ticks to prevent permanent damage. If ticks are found on a pet, remove them with tweezers while avoiding squeezing them since that could cause disease carrying bacteria to enter your pet.

* Avoid hot and humid areas for your pets. The ideal climate for fleas and ticks is approximately 55-89 degrees Fahrenheit and 50-92 percent humidity. Keep your pet away from hot, damp and wooded areas. Fleas like to hide in shady areas of the yard, so treat these areas with a product designed to kill them outdoors.

* Consider a year-round flea and tick treatment for your home and pet. The best way to solve a flea and tick problem is to prevent it in the first place. Use topical drops or collars on your pet year round, regularly treat your yard, and vacuum to remove any potential flea eggs in your carpeting. Also, consider products such as Hartz Ultra-Guard Carpet Powder and Hartz Ultra-Guard Plus Flea %26 Tick Home Spray, formulated to kill fleas around your home and prevent new ones from developing.

To learn more, visit www.hartzultraguard.com. Through August, you can download a coupon for Hartz Ultra-Guard Pro Flea %26 Tick Drops on this site.

Courtesy of ARAcontent