• Flea and tick tips that will come in handy at the dog park
      Flea and tick tips that will come in handy at the dog park.
      Flea and tick tips that will come in handy at the dog park
      June 20, 2012

      Now that the warmer weather is finally here, dog owners will be enjoying everything the great outdoors has to offer with camping, trips to the beach and other fun activities. However, even when you're taking advantage of your local dog park, you should be mindful of the many parasite risks that the spring and summer present. In the advent of the previous winter's mild temperatures and rainy spring weather, animal wellness experts are warning that this year will be one of the worst flea and tick seasons in recent memory, so pet parents should consider the following Hartz products and changes to their regimen to keep their companions safe.

      1. Use a monthly preventative. There are many flea and tick products you can use to keep your dog safe at the dog park, but the best is Hartz UltraGuard Pro Flea and Tick Treatment for Dogs and Puppies. These topical drops are placed at the skin level between a dog's shoulder blades and down the length of his back to the tail. This will kill fleas, ticks and their larvae for up to 30 days, as well as repel those pesky mosquitoes that can make a summer evening a lot less enjoyable.

      2. Flea collars. If you're the kind of person who would rather go for a solution that will last all season long, a flea collar may be your best bet. A Hartz UltraGuard Plus Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs will stay effective for up to seven months and kill fleas and ticks at any stage of their life cycles. The product is also water-resistant, so he can enjoy a day at the beach and will still be protected from seasonal parasites.

      3. Visual checks. Your canine will end up interacting with many other dogs at the park, so it may be wise to get into the habit of performing visual checks on his skin when you get back into the car. Inspect the areas underneath his neck, tail, legs and stomach where small insects could be catching a ride. This could help you prevent a full-blown flea infestation and other significant problems down the road.

      The dog park should be a regular stop during the summer, so make sure your dog is protected from any of the aforementioned seasonal risks with these fine Hartz products.