Spring and ticks: how to protect your pets

Spring is here - it's time to think about tick prevention!

With the warmer weather and the first rays of spring, not only nature wakes up, but also ticks. These small parasites become active when the temperature rises above +5°C, so March-April is a critical time to start taking care of your pets' protection.

Why are ticks dangerous?

Ticks are not just an unpleasant parasite – they can transmit dangerous diseases to both dogs and cats:

For dogs: babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease, anaplasmosis

In cats: hemobartonellosis, tularemia, cytauxonosis

Therefore, prevention is vital, especially if your pets enjoy outdoor walks, games in the park or forest.

What protective measures should I choose?

Modern veterinary medicine offers a variety of tick protection products. Each of them has its own advantages, so it is important to choose the most suitable one for your pet.

1. Drops on the skin (spot-on preparations)

Who is it for: Dogs and cats who don't like pills or have sensitive stomachs

Advantages:

Easy to use – simply apply to the skin between the shoulder blades

Works for 3-4 weeks

Protects not only from ticks, but also from fleas

Suitable for young animals from 8 weeks of age

Attention: Do not bathe your pet for 48 hours after application.

2. Tablets (systemic preparations)

Who is it for: Dogs that frequently bathe, swim, or have contact with children

Advantages:

Long-term effect – from 1 to 3 months

No need to avoid contact with water

No danger to children or other animals

Very effective against ticks and fleas

Attention: Not suitable for cats. Can only be used on puppies from a certain age and weight (usually from 8 weeks and 2 kg)

3. Tick collars

Who is it for: Dogs and cats that need long-term protection

Advantages:

Lasts up to 8 months

Economical solution

Waterproof

Suitable from 7 weeks of age

Caution: Some cats may try to remove the collar. Be careful not to irritate the skin.

4. Sprays

Suitable for: Short-term protection, travel, additional protection

Advantages:

Quick effect

Can be used before every walk

Suitable for very young animals and pregnant females

Can be sprayed on fur and the environment

Caution: Short-term effect – requires frequent use

Special tips for kittens and puppies

For kittens (up to 6 months):

Best: Special drops for kittens from 8 weeks or gentle sprays

Avoid: Adult pills and strong preparations

Important: Never use products intended for dogs – they can be toxic to cats!

For puppies (up to 6 months):

Best: Drops for puppies from 8 weeks or collars from 7 weeks

Tablets: Can only be used once the required weight has been reached (usually from 2 kg)

Important: Always check the dosage based on weight and age

How to choose the most suitable tool?

The choice depends on several factors:

Situation Recommended remedy

The dog often swims, bathes Tablets

Cat living in a house with infrequent outings Drops or light spray

Active dog, spending a lot of time outdoors Tablets + collar (double protection)

Young kitten or puppy Special drops for young animals

There are small children in the house Tablets (no contact preparations)

Economical solution for the whole season Collars

Additional tips for tick prevention

Check your pet after every walk – ticks usually attach to the ears, neck, belly and legs.

Keep your yard tidy – cut the grass short, remove leaves and bushes

Avoid tick-friendly areas – tall grass, bushes, forest edges

Combine remedies – e.g. tablets + spray before a trip to the forest

Don't forget regularity – protection only works when used consistently throughout the season

When to start protection?

The ideal time to start tick prevention is early March, when temperatures begin to rise above freezing. Protection should continue until the end of November, and even year-round in warmer winters.

Remember: It's better to start protection too early than too late. A single tick can infect your pet with a dangerous disease within 24-48 hours.

Conclusion

Tick ​​prevention is not a luxury, but a necessity for every responsible pet owner. Choose the most appropriate method of protection based on your pet's age, size, lifestyle, and individual needs. If in doubt, always consult a veterinarian who will help you choose the best solution for your four-legged friend.

Protect your pets now - enjoy a peaceful spring and summer without tick worries!