Summer is flea season. In the warmest months, there is a significant rise in the number of fleas in the environment. Combine this with the fact that your dog will be more exposed to them because the sunshine will make you want to spend more time in the great outdoors. It can be difficult to keep your life flea-free when you have a dog. Luckily there are some steps you can follow to prepare you for flea season and protect your dog, family and home from these parasites.

1. Stock up

If you live in an area with an especially high intensity of fleas in summer, it may be inevitable that your dog will get them at some point. It’s vital that you deal with the problem straight away to avoid them breeding and taking over your home. You can use your pet prescription to buy flea spot-on medicines in an affordable and easy way online. You can use many of these treatments to prevent as well as control fleas.

2. Comb your dog regularly

Whenever your dog has been outside, it’s a good idea to use a flea comb through their hair. This will help to remove any parasites before they get a chance to set up camp in your dog’s coat or in your home. Place a white towel under your dog while you comb so it will be easier to detect if any fleas are present. This towel should be carefully shaken into a bowl of water, and then the contents flushed down the toilet.

3. Have more baths

Fleas are far less attracted to clean animals. Therefore, during the summer you may wish to increase the number of baths you give to your dog. You can purchase gentle shampoos formulated for canines from pet stores or your veterinary practice. Fleas will usually die in water so by bathing your dog more often you will also be getting rid of any fleas living in their coats.

4. Vacuum (a lot)

Vacuuming is one of the most effective ways to keep your home flea-free. During the summer, you will need to vacuum at least once a week, more if you have evidence of fleas from your dog or around your home. You need to be very thorough with this task, so it is a good idea to make sure your vacuum is in good working order and to make any fixes before the summer officially starts. You should not only concentrate on the floors, but also the skirting boards, furnishings and both your bed and your dog’s bed.

5. Wash your dog’s bedding

As well as vacuuming your dog’s bedding, you should also make sure it is kept clean. Attempt to wash it every couple of weeks so that the cleanliness is unappealing to fleas.

6. Use insect deterrents

There are a number of natural ingredients that can help to keep fleas, and other insects, at bay. This is summer you may wish to purchase some cedar, lavender or peppermint oil sprays and some citronella candles.

We hope this information helps you to have a flea-free summer this year.

Image from Flickr.com

Living in the countryside is nothing short of idyllic. You have an expanse of land and garden that you can make the most of during the summer. But, with this, there comes other problems. As such, you may find that your garden is more susceptible to pests.

Pests can be a burden. They can eat away at your crops, plants and flowers. But, they can have an impact on your health too. It goes without saying that you need to ensure that your land is pest and bug free. Of course, you can never be truly rid of bugs in the countryside! But, you can make sure that you have beneficial insects in your garden.

1. Slugs

Slugs and snails are not wanted by most gardeners. They can leave a trail of destruction behind them when it comes to the garden. They are prone to eating flowers and plants. If you find that you have holes in your plants leaves, this could be symptomatic of slugs. Slugs don’t tend to serve many purposes in the garden. As such, it may be wise to get rid of them. Eradicating slugs can be easy. All you need to do is add a little salt around your borders. This will not impact your flowers, plants or crops. But, it will ensure that slugs are stopped in their tracks.

Ariesa66

2. Beetles

Beetles can be a serious threat to your garden. They are more prevalent in the summertime. As such, now is the time to become beetle savvy. These little black bugs may be harmless to humans; beetle can breed in alarming numbers. With this in mind, they can take over your garden before you know it! According to the experts, at http://pest.24hourly.com it’s vital that you get rid of these as a matter of urgency. What is more, these can get into your home as they thrive on flour, wheat, and pulses. If this happens, you need to call an exterminator. But, do ensure that you are using need-based products to eradicate them permanently.

3. Mice

Mice are often found more widely in the country. They are not something that you want in your garden. Mice can present a lot of health problems. They are not just an annoyance; they are a very real threat to your home and garden. Mice will find a way into your home if you do not have sufficient food sources in your garden. If you have a vegetable plot, they may attack it. The best thing that you can do is remove debris from his garden. Piles of leaves make an attractive home for mice. Make sure that you don’t leave food outside. But, more importantly, ensure that you are sealing doors and windows so that they cannot gain entry to your home. If things get out of hand though, one needs to call in professional pest exterminating services similar to the Pest Authority of Charlottesville to get the mice situation in check.

4. Harlequin Ladybugs

Ladybugs in the traditional sense are not a massive problem. But, there is a new strain of ladybugs that are now found in gardens. The traditional ladybird is okay. But, the harlequin bugs are not pleasant in the home. They live in wallpaper and window frames. They will not prevent greenfly from eating your plants. Rather, they will take up lodging in your home and eat away at your fabrics. Make sure that you eradicate these as they enter your home. They rarely come into your property in isolation. So, make sure that you get rid of them using insecticide sprays.

Moving to the countryside is a big move for you and your family. But, your dog may be feeling the pinch too. As dogs are highly intelligent animals, they will be aware that change is underfoot. Moving to any part of the country can have a severe impact on your dog. But, helping them adjust to a new life in the country is one of the most important things that you can do as a responsible pet owner.

Be Aware of Health Concerns

While the countryside is a perfect new start for you, your dog will be more prone to health issues. The change in the environment can see fit to make your dog poorly. There will be a whole host of new things that they will want to explore. But, this new voyage of exploration means that your dog will be prone to some health issues that they may not have experienced before. Worms, fleas and ticks can all be found in the countryside. With other animals being more prevalent in the area, dogs will find themselves susceptible to these issues.

However, you can ensure that you are preventing these health problems. Do be sure to implement a worming and tick regimen with your hound. You can source a lot of canine related health supplements from http://www.wormers.co.uk/. These are the best line of defence in making sure that your dog is well adjusted to your new rural lifestyle.

Keep Your Dogs Old Bedding

A dog’s nose is highly sensitive and as such, the unfamiliar scents of the new property and the countryside can be overwhelming. It’s vital that you keep some mementos of your previous home. Their bedding should not be washed until they have settled into their new home. The scent of your previous home can be a massive source of comfort for your pooch. So, while you may think that the dog bed needs sprucing up, leave it until your hound is settled. Ultimately, this will make them happier and better adjusted to their new house.

Combating Insecurity

Your dog may be feeling insecure in their new home. This can be remedied with ease. Make sure that you are making time for your dog. Make time to play and to explore with them. It’s important that you allow them to explore your new home and to take in the new scents and smells around them.

Source

Don’t Let them Off the Lead!

While it’s tempting to allow your dog to explore, this can present problems. After all, rural life means that there are wide open spaces. As such, your dog can bolt and run, and you won’t be able to catch them. Make sure that you allow your dog to soak in their new surroundings, but keep them on a leash for the first couple of months. Allow them to be acquainted with their new area before giving them more freedom. After all, dogs are territorial and other farm dogs may not take too kindly to your pup.

Maintain Your Routine

Much like kids, dogs need routine too. Even though moving to your new home in the country may be a stressful time, ensuring your dogs happiness is a must. Do be sure to feed and walk your dog at the same time everyday, irrespective of how busy you are. It’s an excellent way to ensure that they adjust to their new surroundings.