This post is sponsored by Mirum, but opinions expressed are my own.
Barli’s debut on his shelter’s Facebook page explains to us why today Barli cannot stand to have a single flea on him:
He came to us covered head to toe in fleas; it looked like his skin was crawling…”
And that was in mid-December! The shelter told us that they guessed Barli might have been born under a porch and spent his first two months there before he was eventually picked up by animal control. Because of his history, we’re extra careful not to let Barli suffer with fleas and ticks.
As you know, Barli’s currently taking a therapy dog training course to hopefully become certified as a nursing home therapy dog.
Already, he and Tiki accompany us on visits to the nursing home where four of John’s relatives reside, a place where visiting dogs definitely cannot have any issues with fleas and ticks.
Here in Texas, as everywhere, fleas and ticks are a year-around problem (since, after all, the little critters like to come in where it’s warm and hang out on our pets–and, of course, wildlife like deer and coyotes provide a habitat for ticks throughout the year!)
But while they’re present during our fairly mild winters, the flea and tick numbers really ramp up with the arrival of spring weather.
And with that growing population comes an increased risk to our dogs (and us!)
Fleas can bring everything from flea allergy dermatitis to anemia to bubonic plague while ticks carry a whole laundry list of potential diseases including Lyme disease.
So today we do everything we can to keep Barli and Tiki flea-free–because, if we don’t, Barli will bite at himself to the point of bald spots to get that flea. With his history, it’s easy to see why.
But fleas and ticks are everywhere–with the opportunity to pick them up at any stop.
April is a favorite time for us to get out and enjoy doggie day trips, whether posing for photos in fields of wildflowers, taking the dogs swimming at the lake or the beach or hiking trails at some of our favorite state parks–all perfect locations for picking up some unwanted hitchhikers called fleas and ticks.
Monthly preventative keeps fleas and ticks at bay. PetArmor® Plus, available at Target, is an easy and economical choice not only to prevent fleas and ticks but, if you’re already experiencing infestation, to stop infestations and help prevent reinfestation when used as directed. The fast-acting, waterproof formula helps break the flea life cycle by killing flea eggs and flea larvae. It also kills ticks and chewing lice.
PetArmor Plus for Dogs is available in four sizes:
- 4 to 22 pounds
- 23 to 44 pounds (Barli’s size)
- 45 to 88 pounds (Tiki’s size)
- 89 to 132 pounds
It’s important to purchase the size appropriate for your dog (do not attempt to split doses between dogs).
While it can be used on breeding, pregnant and lactating animals, it should NOT be used on dogs under 4 pounds and under 8 weeks of age. (And PetArmor Plus for Dogs is for dogs ONLY; you’ll also find PetArmor Plus for Cats for the feline members of your family.)
I found it super easy just to pick up PetArmor Plus on my weekly Target run, meaning one less errand on my to do list.
Application is quick and easy. I purchased a three-dose pack:
PetArmor Plus is also available in six-dose packs. Just separate one pack for the monthly dosage:
Once you have a single dose, just hold the tube with notched end pointing up and away from your face and body. Use scissors to snip off the narrow end at the notches along the line. Invert tube over dog and use the open end to part your dog’s hair.
Squeeze the tube firmly to apply all of the solution to your dog’s skin on a spot between your dog’s shoulder blades.
Once you’re done with the application, be sure to keep treated pets apart from each other, other pets and children for 24 hours after treatment and until the product is dry. This helps prevent pets from ingesting the topical by licking or grooming one another.
That’s it! Once your dog is protected from fleas and ticks, you’re ready to hit the trail–and the road. If your spring and summer travels will include hotel stays, you’ll be confident that your dog is flea-free–and you’re not putting your hotel pet deposit at risk.
You’ll be ready to tackle backcountry hikes with your dog without fear of tick infestation, and, when your day trip is done, you’ll be ready to snuggle up on the couch with your best friend and recount the day’s adventures, without the worry of having brought back some unwanted souvenirs in the form of fleas and ticks.
Getting out and enjoying day trips with your dog is one of the real pleasures of spring. Don’t let worries about fleas and ticks keep you from your favorite trails, parks and getaways!
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