by Sophia Josephina

Created on: July 19, 2009

One flea or tick can make over 200,000 descendants in one month. If that is shocking just think that for every flea or tick found on your dog or cat, there are 100 more off of your pet near by- outside, carpet, chair or even your own bed.

Need les to say you will want to protect your animal as well as your home. Here are a few safety tips when protecting you and your loved pets.

Always read the label of any pesticide weather it's for the yard or for your pet. Keep in mind that while one product is safe for your dog the same product is not always safe to use on your cat.

Flea collar safety - it should never bee ingested by the animal and pet owners should promptly wash their hands after putting it on your pet. You may also want to wear gloves when fixing the collar so that the residue doesn't get on your hands.

When using flea powder try to keep it out of the nose, eyes and mouth. Powder from the neck down to his or her feet, make sure to rub it into the skin. Put a small amount on your finger to gently pat onto your dogs face.

Shampoos - again always read the label what is safe for your dog is not always safe for your cat. Try to keep the shampoo away from the eyes, nose and mouth of your pet.

A good tip is to wash everything on your dog, then take a small amount of shampoo and apply it to a wash cloth. Use the washcloth to wash your dogs face making sure not to get any into the eyes, nose and mouth.

Because cats are a little less likely to take a liking to bathing use the washcloth to wash their whole body - cats usually hate getting wet and don't much care for the sound of running water.

When using a dip again make sure not to get into the nose, eyes and mouth and as a general rule flea and tick dips are usually harmful to cats.

Flea and tick spray medicine, try to use a pump spray bottle to apply the medicine that way you are getting the spray in only the areas you need to and not in the areas where it may be sensitive to your cat or dog.

When applying the spray to your pets face take a piece of cloth and spray the cloth then gently rub it on his or her face, so the spray doesn't get into the sensitive areas.

If you are using a natural preventative such diatomaceous earth or chinchilla dust always put your pet out of the room when dispensing these items, or your dog and cat may inhale the dust from these preventives and cause unwanted lung irritation.

When you are applying these natural preventatives always use goggles and a face mask so that you don't inhale the dust into your lungs as well.

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