Spring and summer are peak flea and tick season in Oklahoma as the weather starts to warm up.
Dr. Summer Hiddink of Yukon Hills Animal Hospital said reducing your pet's risk of fleas and tick-borne diseases is easy to do by taking a few precautions.
This morning, she appeared on News 9 to talk more about what pet owners can do to prepare for this season of heightened risk.
Hiddink said fleas and ticks are more common during the warmer months, especially as many pet owners participate in outdoor activities.
She said it's important to protect yourself and your pets from diseases that can be transmitted through fleas and ticks, such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease.
“All of these are extremely harmful to dogs, causing organ failure, joint pain and sometimes death,” Hiddink said.
Hiddink said excessive itching, hair loss, skin infections and irritation are signs that your dog may have fleas or ticks.
Hiddink said, “Fleas also transmit diseases, so we need to be careful and prevent them in the summer.''
Coach Hiddink said fleas and ticks are a year-round concern, so it's important to continue to be diligent.
She said the cold doesn't last long enough in Oklahoma to completely wipe them out.
Hiddink said, “Always stay on top of the situation and take precautions every month.''
She said there are many preventative measures and your veterinarian should be able to recommend what's best for your animal.
