How to Control Fleas & Ticks on Pets

Fleas and ticks can be more than just an annoyance to both you and your pets, as both are known to carry and transmit diseases that pose significant health risks. Ticks can infect their host with bacteria that causes Lyme disease, while fleas are capable of causing anemia though blood loss and can also transmit tapeworms to pets. To control fleas and ticks on pets requires using a method suited to the species of pet.

Things You'll Need

  • Comb
  • Tweezers
  • Flea and tick shampoo
  • Hose
  • Flea and tick powder
  • Flea and tick repellant
  • Mop
  • Borax
  • Vacuum
  • Plastic trash bags
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Instructions

    • 1

      Work a comb through your pet's fur, combing in the opposite direction of hair growth, to locate ticks, making sure you cover the entire coat from head to tail. Grasp ticks around their head, with the tweezers, as close to the animal's skin as possible. Squeeze the tweezers tightly and pull back with slow, steady pressure until the tick releases its grip. Do not try to pull the tick out by its body or the tick's head will break off and stay attached under your pet's skin.

    • 2

      Wash dogs by thoroughly wetting their coat with water and massaging a pyrethrin-based shampoo into their hair and skin. Allow the shampoo to stand on the fur as per the instruction on the bottle and then thoroughly rinse the shampoo off with water.

    • 3

      Sprinkle a flea powder recommended for pet species that don't take well to bathing, such as cats or birds. Work the powder thoroughly into the fur or feathers with your fingers or a comb per the product directions.

    • 4

      Wash kennels and cages with the pyrethrin-based shampoo. Wet down the floor of the kennel and apply the shampoo with a mop, covering the entire surface. Rise the kennel thoroughly with the hose.

    • 5

      Sprinkle borax around the outside of kennels. Reapply after a heavy rain. Dust borax over carpets, and anywhere else inside the home where fleas have been observed. Allow the borax to stand for 20 minutes and vacuum. Promptly dispose of the vacuum bag by placing it in a plastic trash bag. Seal the trash bag and set it outside.

    • 6

      Apply an insect repellent, approved for your species of pet, to the animal's coat before it ventures outside of enclosed areas. Pay extra attention to the legs and stomach areas that are in closest proximity to the ground.