One of the most annoying things you have to deal with as a pet owner is fleas and ticks. They are so small in nature that they nudge their way into anything and everything around the house. If your pet has fleas or ticks, then it is very likely that your surroundings and immediate environment have been infested as well.

One of the most common symptoms of infestation from these pests is your pet’s itching. Sometimes you may even be able to see them jumping around. To help you, here are four ways on how to get rid of fleas and ticks.

1. Wash the pet’s bedding
Make sure that you wash your pet’s bedding with warm water once every two days. Once you have washed, ensure that you also dry thoroughly in the dryer. You can also take the bed to a dry cleaner, but you need to ensure that no harsh chemicals that can potentially harm your pet are used.

2. Check for specialized shampoos
You can speak to your vet or go to the nearest pet store and pick up the best shampoo that is suitable for your pet. Most of these shampoos contain an element known as pyrethrin, which is derived from the chrysanthemum flower. They are highly effective in keeping fleas and ticks at bay.

3. Use a fine comb often
If you have a hairy pet, it is advisable that you use a very fine comb to brush through their fur. Make sure that you dunk the critters into a bowl of water with soap. Especially concentrate on your pet’s neck and tail areas along with other areas more prone to fleas and ticks.

4. Choose targeted medication or natural remedies
If your pet is showing even the mildest sign of a higher infestation of fleas and ticks, then it is best that you reach out for more targeted medication. You can talk to your vet to see what topical remedies or oral medication is recommended. If you prefer to use natural remedies, please note that you should only use ingredients that are safe for your pet. The ingredients that you use should not aggravate the problem or cause other forms of allergies and side-effects.

It is very important that you get rid of fleas and ticks as soon as possible because they end up causing diseases to both your pets and even you. In some cases, flea and tick infestation can cause heartworm or tapeworm infestation in your pet. Moreover, this can affect you and your family, as well. While completely eliminating fleas and ticks is quite challenging, you can take appropriate measures for both your pet and your surroundings to prevent them from recurring.