Is your pooch prepared for the arrival of fall flea season?

Whether you live in a rural town or in the heart of an urban area, you may think that the worst of flea season is over. While spring and summer are usually the toughest times of year for dog parents when combating parasites, the fall flea season comes with its own set of challenges. These insects can become far more aggressive during autumn, as they are looking for one last meal before the coming of the winter frost. According to ChicagoNow.com, this is typically prevalent in northeastern states during this time of year, but it can also be a hazard for warmer climates as winter gets underway. Here are a few ways you can safeguard your canine throughout the fall season.

1. Make a trip to the vet. During the beginning of fall, it's vital that you head into a Bideawee Animal Hospital and talk with their animal health professionals about the best flea and tick products that are safe for your dog. Additionally, you can ask your vet about a variety of natural flea and tick treatments that could prove to be beneficial, without having to resort to pesticide-laden topical drops, flea collars and home sprays.

2. Perform visual checks on your dog. After you come back from a long walk around the neighborhood or an autumn festival, get into the habit of visually inspecting your dog's skin to check for signs of impacted ticks or flea eggs and the droppings they leave behind. Even with quality flea and tick products at your disposal, there's still a good chance that your dog could be carrying around these parasites with him, so be vigilant and keep a close eye on your companion's skin and coat.

3. Prepare for mosquitoes. While fleas and ticks get the majority of attention during this time of year, mosquitoes are still active as well. These insects carry viruses and parasites like West Nile and heartworm, so finding an anti-parasite product that protects your pooch from these bugs is vital. Additionally, consider walking around your property and getting rid of any buckets or pails which may contain standing water. These are prime breeding grounds for mosquitoes, so make an effort to overturn all of these vessels to cut down on the mosquito population around your home.