Why You Need a Complete Pest Management System

We constantly receive questions from our fans saying no matter what they to do, they cannot get rid of their dogs’ fleas!
Quite simply, dogs are exposed to fleas, ticks and mosquitoes on a daily basis. Every time you take your dog out for a walk, to the dog park, or even for a romp in your back yard, your dog is a walking target for disease carrying fleas, ticks and mosquitoes. That’s why we recommend having a complete pest management system that focuses not only on your dog, but also on your dog’s environment and surroundings.

On Pet

Protecting your dog is the first step in the fight against fleas, ticks and mosquitoes.

We recommend products that protect against adult and pre-adult pests. Preventing a future infestation is just as important. Our veterinarian, Dr. Melinda, recommends Hartz® UltraGuard Pro® or Hartz® UltraGuard Plus® once a month topical drop treatments or collars because these products have active ingredients focused on breaking the life stages of fleas and ticks. Unlike competing products such as Frontline Plus or Pet Armor, Hartz® UltraGuard Pro® topical drops also kills mosquitoes, which are known to transmit heartworm disease.
If your dog already has fleas and ticks, Dr. Melinda recommends the use of Hartz® UltraGuard Plus® shampoos, Hartz® UltraGuard Plus® dog sprays, or Hartz® UltraGuard® powders to bring immediate relief to your dog before using the topical drops or collars.

In Home

The critical second step in a complete pest management system is treating your home.
Unlike ticks and mosquitoes that only breed outdoors, fleas thrive indoors. Female fleas start producing eggs 24 to 48 hours after taking their first blood meal and can lay up to 50 eggs per day. These eggs are laid on your dog, and easily fall off onto bedding, carpets, furniture and everything else your dog comes in contact with. The places where your dog rests and sleeps become primary habitats for eggs and developing fleas.
To help on the home front, we offer in home products, such as Hartz® UltraGuard Plus® Carpet Powders and Hartz® UltraGuard Plus® Home Sprays that can be used throughout your house. If you are facing a wide spread infestation, Hartz® UltraGuard Plus® Home Fogger is recommended.
In Yard

The final step in a complete pest management system is taking care of your yard where fleas, ticks and mosquitoes can be prevalent.

Ticks find their hosts by climbing on grass, shrubs and other outposts. They simply wait for your dog to walk by and grab on. To fully protect your dog be sure to use products such as Hartz® UltraGuard® Yard Spray to eliminate multiple types of pests outside your home.

We want to help you make sure that your dog remains pest free this summer. Visit HartzUltraGuardPro.com for some great coupons that will help your dogs fight those pesky fleas.

To know more about the Hartz Flea products, log on to http://www.hartz.com/

Flea-Related Illness that Affect Your Dog

This annoying parasite can pose real dangers to your dog’s health.
Left untreated, fleas can multiply rapidly and make your dog seriously ill. That’s why it’s important to check your dog for fleas on a regular basis and act quickly to eliminate any outbreaks that occur.
Condition: Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD)

Some dogs are severely allergic to flea saliva and can experience extreme discomfort even from a single flea bite. Common FAD symptoms include excessive scratching, licking or biting around the tail, groin, or backside.
Scabs or bumps may develop on the neck or back. Some dogs will chew or
rip out their hair or fur until the area is bare. Unchecked, FAD can cause painful sores and bacterial skin infections, or “hotspots” characterized by red, raw and inflamed skin.
Treatment:

Don’t wait. Your vet can diagnose a flea allergy with a simple intradermal
skin test. If your dog tests positive, she may need medication to control the scratching and chewing until you can begin a flea control program or complete pest management system. Severe cases of FAD may require intermittent use of prescription medications during very hot and humid weather when fleas are at their peak.
Condition: Flea-Bite Anemia

Just like a person, your dog relies on a certain number of red blood cells in
her body to keep her healthy and energetic. And, like you, she can become anemic from too much blood loss. Any dog can develop Flea-Bite Anemia, but some dogs are more susceptible; small dogs and puppies have smaller blood volumes than larger dogs. Elderly and sick dogs can’t manufacture blood cells as quickly as healthy dogs.
A single flea can bite your dog hundreds of times per day. In a short time, even a mild infestation can have serious consequences. Very severe cases can be fatal. If your dog shows symptoms of lethargy, weakness or pale gums, see your vet right away.
Treatment:

Your vet will rid your dog of fleas and provide supportive measures to restore her health. Dogs who are very anemic may receive blood transfusions and intensive care. With quick intervention, most dogs make a full recovery.
Condition: Tapeworms

Fleas can transmit a tapeworm infection to your dog if she ingests a flea containing tapeworm eggs. Inside your dog’s digestive tract, the tapeworm egg matures into an adult tapeworm with a segmented body that can grow to several feet. The tapeworm hooks onto the lining of your dog’s small intestine and absorbs nutrients as they pass through her digestive tract.

Tapeworms can cause nutritional deficiency, weight loss and debilitation
for your dog. Symptoms include increased appetite and fatigue; a serious infection may be accompanied by chronic diarrhea or constipation. Examine your dog’s stool if you suspect a problem. Tapeworms will appear as small white “worms” or grains of rice. If you suspect your dog already has tapeworm, see your vet for an evaluation and bring a stool sample for testing.
Treatment:
Your vet can provide you with medication if your dog is diagnosed
with tapeworm.
Flea Prevention is Key

Since fleas are the most common culprit of canine tapeworm, a proactive Hartz Flea control program is the best way to keep your dog healthy. Follow a complete pest management system to rid your dog, home and yard of fleas. A good rule of thumb is to treat your home and yard first, then your dog. This will minimize her chances of being re-infested.