Key takeaways
- Use a vet-recommended preventive consistently, and treat every pet in the home.
- Check for fleas and ticks when you groom and after walks in grass or woodland.
- Never use a dog product on a cat. Cats are especially sensitive, and some dog products can kill them.
Why it matters
Fleas and ticks are more than itchy. Infestations can cause skin problems and spread disease, and ticks transmit infections such as Lyme disease. A flea problem also quickly becomes a home problem, because most of the flea life cycle happens off the pet, in carpets and bedding.
How to check your pet
- Part the fur at the base of the tail, on the belly and behind the neck and look for fleas or flea dirt: tiny dark specks.
- Comb those areas with a fine-toothed flea comb over a white paper towel. If specks turn reddish when dampened, that's flea dirt.
- After walks, run your hands over your dog's body, between the toes, inside the ears and around the collar, feeling for small bumps.
Prevention that works
- Ask your vet which preventive suits your pet, your area and your lifestyle.
- Give it on schedule. The CDC advises treating pets year-round to kill adult fleas and stop new ones hatching.
- Treat all pets in the household at the same time, including cats and rabbits.
- Wash pet bedding regularly and vacuum floors and furniture often.
- Follow the label or your vet's directions exactly, and tell your vet about any remedies you've tried.
Removing a tick
- Use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick-removal tool.
- Grip the tick as close to the skin as possible.
- Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Don't twist or crush it.
- Clean the area and your hands, and watch the spot for redness or swelling.
When to call the vet
Contact your vet if your pet scratches, chews or licks constantly, shakes its head or scratches its ears, has hair loss or scabs, or seems lethargic or lame after a tick bite.
Products that help.
animals@shop Zolux Anah Flea Comb
A fine-toothed comb for hands-on coat checks
The Zolux Anah flea comb is a manual grooming and inspection tool with 70 teeth and rounded ends. It does not treat fleas or replace veterinary parasite prevention.
- Coat inspection
- Fine-toothed grooming
Questions, answered
Do indoor cats need flea treatment?
Fleas can come in on people, other pets and visitors, so many vets recommend prevention for indoor cats too. Ask your vet what suits your home.
Do I need flea prevention in winter?
Fleas can survive indoors all year, and the CDC recommends year-round treatment. Your vet can advise on ticks in your area.
Can I use the same flea treatment for my dog and cat?
No. Use only products labeled for each species. Some dog products are toxic to cats.
Sources
We base our care guides on guidance from veterinary schools, veterinary associations and animal welfare organizations, written in our own words. If your pet is unwell, your vet is the right first call.