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	Parasite Prevention for Puppies
	Avoid "The Big Three" - Fleas, Ticks & Mosquitoes

This season, new puppy parents will undoubtedly enjoy time at the park, take walks and lounge in the cool shade of trees with their furry friends. However, warm weather marks the beginning of parasite season and the inevitable onslaught of "The Big Three"-fleas, ticks and mosquitoes. These pests will find their way to your new puppy and only you (with the aid of your veterinarian) can stop them.

Ticks

Tick-borne diseases can cause itching, pain, appetite loss, lethargy, fever, and swollen joints, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Ticks can carry Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tick species found in the U.S. can easily infest dogs in very large numbers.

Fleas

Not only are fleas carriers of dog tapeworm, but they can cause, flea allergy dermatitis a common allergic skin condition affecting pets. The uncontrollable itching and scratching associated with flea allergy dermatitis can be a major discomfort for dogs. Fleas are an unusually hearty species of parasites, able to pierce thick skin, suck blood and abundantly reproduce with great speed. In fact, just 10 female fleas may be able to multiply to more than 150,000 in only 30 days, according to the AVMA.

Mosquitoes

And it only gets worse. There are about 3,000 species of mosquitoes in the world, 150 of which can be found in the United States. While only the female mosquitoes are dangerous because they are the only ones to bite, it causes discomfort to puppies, similar to the itching human's experience.

Providing a puppy with the armor that easy-to-use products such as Advantage® flea control or K9 Advantix® triple-protection flea, tick and mosquito control, (both from Bayer Animal Health) is essential. To find out what product is right for your puppy and how to get a FREE TUBE, visit www.Nofleas.com and www.K9advantix.com.

It's not enough to merely kill the fleas, ticks and mosquitoes present today, but puppy owners must prevent future bites, as well. "Each of the three types of parasites present their own kind of peril," notes Dr. Werber, "which is why it's important to protect your pet year-round by using products that are effective against them all." ~

Warm Weather Puppy Health Tips

• Pets can suffer heatstroke, so keep your puppy hydrated and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest time of the day
• Apply a monthly parasite preventative such as Advantage® or K9 Advantix®
• Reduce exposure to mosquitoes by avoiding walking at dawn and dusk (mosquito feeding times) and remove standing water from your property
• Visit your veterinarian regularly to keep your puppy healthy
• Avoid extreme temperatures and never leave your puppy in the car

Visit www.Petparents.com for helpful hints about your first veterinarian visit, puppy care and behavior training information, tips on naming your new friend, and to add your puppy photos to the Bayer Family Album.