Keep your pets safe with these tips!
Pets of all sorts are very important to you. A dog or cat can be a valued member of the family. So, as critters and pests begin to wake from their hibernation, you might want to start thinking about how you can ensure the safety of your pets. Critters like rats and mice can carry diseases or bugs, so let’s take a look at some of the ways you can reinforce the safety of your animals this spring.
Install a fence.
Having a fence around your property may put your mind at ease. A fence without small holes, a privacy fence, will deter some animals from getting into your yard. Larger animals that do not climb very well will not be able to get past the large obstacle. Another benefit to having a fence is that you will be able to tell when one of the digging type critters gets into your yard. You’ll see the hole and know right away that a little animal has invaded. Now, installing a fence may not be foolproof, but it will certainly help.
Keep food out of your backyard.
The single most enticing thing to animals is food. Leaving food outside is going to get you into trouble with critters sooner or later, so make sure to keep it to a minimum. Cover your trashcans and secure their lids. Inspect them periodically for any nibble marks around the bottom just in case. Rats are known to chew their way through plastic if they’re determined to get to the food beyond it.
Monitor your pets.
Keep an eye on any new marks on your pets if they go outside. Check them for ticks and for bite marks periodically. The faster you catch a bad bite, the faster you can take your pet to the vet. If you have a dog that goes outside, try and keep an eye on them. Listen for any sounds of a struggle or distress from your dog if you have to leave them alone. Your dog needs you to help keep them safe, so be there for them. If you have a cat that goes outside sometimes, you need to check them every time they come back in. Look for marks or bugs and see a vet promptly if you think there is a problem.
Types of Pests that Can Harm Home Pets
Types of Pests that Can Harm Home Pets
Our beloved pets aren’t just susceptible to cuddles and playtime; they can also be troubled by a variety of pests. These pests can cause irritation, transmit diseases, and even be deadly in some cases. Let’s explore some of the most common culprits.
Bloodsuckers: Fleas and Ticks
Fleas and ticks are external parasites that feed on your pet’s blood. Fleas are tiny, wingless insects that jump from pet to pet, causing intense itching and irritation. Ticks are larger and latch onto your pet’s skin to feed. Both fleas and ticks can transmit diseases such as tapeworm, Lyme disease, and ehrlichiosis.
Signs of infestation: Excessive scratching, restlessness, visible fleas or ticks on your pet’s fur, and hair loss around the bite area.
Stinging Stingers: Bees, Wasps, and Spiders
While some stings might just cause a minor annoyance, others can be life-threatening, especially for smaller pets. Bees and wasps have stingers that inject venom, causing pain, swelling, and allergic reactions in some animals. Venomous spiders, such as black widows and brown recluses, can inflict bites that are more serious and require immediate veterinary attention.
Signs of a sting or bite: Sudden yelping or whining, pawing at the affected area, swelling, redness, and difficulty breathing (in severe allergic reactions).
Creepy Crawlies: Mice and Rats
These common rodents might seem like harmless prey for your cat, but they pose a significant health risk to all pets. Mice and rats can carry and transmit parasites like roundworm and tapeworm, as well as bacteria and viruses like leptospirosis and hantavirus. Additionally, if your pet ingests a rodent that has recently eaten rat poison, it can suffer from secondary poisoning.
Signs of a rodent infestation: Droppings around your home, gnaw marks on furniture or wires, and sightings of the rodents themselves.
Keep your pets safe!
Call Shumaker Animal Control. Shumaker Animal Control is a twenty-five year veteran of the animal control profession and knows how to detect and properly remove rabbits from your Maryland property.
If you have any questions about animal removal, contact Shumaker Animal Control by calling (443) 854-8072 or click heretoday!
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