Meet our pet of the month Bosco! Bosco is a 9 1/2 year old chocolate English Lab. She is the best dog! She was adopted 3 years ago from a man who could no longer care for her. She was his emotional support dog. Her favorite activity is to be given attention by anyone and everyone! She loves car rides and sleeping in the garden.She also likes “long” walks around the Borough -she is slower than she used to be but she loves to stroll!

Because Bosco loves sleeping in the garden, she wants to remind pet owners on how to prepare for the summer months, which includes flea and tick prevention. As the weather gets warmer and Summer begins peeking around the corner, many people like to get outside and bring their furry friends along with them. However, some not-so-friendly foes, otherwise known as fleas and ticks, tend to have the same idea.

Finding the right flea treatment product can be difficult as they come in all different forms with a variety of side effects. For flea prevention, there are many products available, both prescription and over-the-counter. You could also try using a flea comb on your pet and washing their bedding once a week. Keeping the outside of your house free from organic debris like rake clippings and leaves could also help prevent fleas since they like to hide in dark, moist and shady areas. 

Ticks tend to be most active in late spring and summer, but species and disease transmission can vary based on where you live. They can be found living in tall brush or grass where they can attach themselves to dogs and outdoor cats and are more prominent in warm climates and certain wooded areas of the Northeast. While these parasites don’t often cause obvious discomfort, you should regularly check your pet for ticks if you live in an area where they are common, especially if they spend a lot of time outdoors. 

To learn more from the ASPCA about how to treat your pet if they have fleas or you find a tick click here.