Human beings and animals have always been sharing an incredible bond with each other. Since the beginning of our civilisation, we have domesticated animals for support and have been calling them as pets. In recent times, pets and pet owners have become dependent on each other more on an emotional level than on a requirement level. The modern lifestyle has made man crave for a loyal and available companion to come home to and who better than a pet. Did you know that according to a Japanese study, the level of oxytocin (also known as the love hormone) that is released in your body while playing with your pet is similar to the oxytocin released by a mother looking at her child?

When pets mean so much to you considering their hygiene and sanitation is also important. Your furry buddy might be the carrier of various kinds of pests like ticks, fleas and even bed bugs. Just like us they never intend to harbour these pests but eventually, they latch on to them for some outside sources. There is no way for your pets to get any relief from them but as owners, you should know how to manage such situations as soon as possible.

Pests that affect your pets and you –

Better knowledge about these pests can simplify the way in which you can protect your pets against them. The most common pest that inhibits your pets is a flea. Generally, your pet picks fleas while roaming outside or from other infected animals. A flea infection is not only irritating to your dog or cat but it can bite humans too. A single female flea requires blood for reproduction and can deliver up to 4000 eggs on the host. A flea infection results in mild to severe itching, skin problems, infections on the skin, and might also transmit tapeworms and other diseases to your pet. Fleas can cause rashes and blisters to you as well.

Coming to ticks, you will find that ticks can be the most irksome for your pets as their primary diet is blood. They find your pets by their breath, body odour, moisture, vibration and body heat. Ticks not only transmit the disease to your pets but also to humans. Ticks can be the transporter of various disease-causing viruses, bacteria and pathogens. Lyme disease, Q fever, typhus, boutonneuse fever, etc. are only a few of the diseases transmitted to humans through pathogens brought in by ticks.

The most uncommon infestation on your pet is of the bed bugs. Bed bugs mostly feed on human blood and infest human bedding and cushions but in case of extreme infestation, your pets along with you might be the next target for them. Sometimes your pets can be used by these pesky creatures to get inside your home.

Managing the pest problem –

Pests being such nuisances you should know what to do to prevent them from clinching on to your pet or how your pet can avoid them altogether. Here are a few tips that might help you to put a stop to their spread and let your pet stay happy.

1. Every time your pet goes out to have fun like going to the park or hiking with you, you should give them a thorough fur check-up for any kind of tick contamination.

2. Always have a routine vet schedule for your pet to check on ticks and flea infestations.

3. Keeping your home extra clean when you have pets is always important. Pets make a huge mess but keeping the house de-cluttered helps in isolating the spread of fleas, ticks and bed bugs. You can try to hire professional cleaning services to help you keep an organised house.

4. Vacuuming your home regularly is another way to avoid the spread of fleas and their eggs.

5. While travelling, it is advised to be cautious about bed bugs and if you are travelling with your pets then you should first confirm with the hotel if they have a bed bug infestation. If the answer is no then you need to confirm if they have already hired a professional pest control service near them to take care of all kinds of pest problem recently or not.

Being the most lovable family members, pets are cherished by all but a pest problem on them can make them uncomfortable and sickly. When you are a pet owner, all it takes to keep your pets healthy and happy is some effort and lots of love. 

Resource box – Being a journalist, blogger, content editor, content writer and poet, Aishwarya Priyambada finds solace in writing for the right causes. Her interest combines doing thorough research and writing about various topics. Currently working as the Senior Content Writer for TechSquadTeam, she is focusing on writing informative blogs and articles about cleaning and pest control. Click here to check out the company and to read more about her current blogs.