Flea & Tick Prevention & Treatment: Keep Your Pets Safe Year-Round

Fleas and ticks aren't just a seasonal nuisance—they're persistent pests that can affect your pets' health and comfort year-round. Whether your furry friend spends most of their time indoors or enjoys outdoor adventures, they are at risk. The good news? With a proactive prevention and treatment plan, you can protect your pets from these tiny troublemakers.

Understanding the Enemy: Fleas & Ticks

Fleas: Small But Mighty

The most common flea species in North America is the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis), and despite the name, it targets both cats and dogs. Adult fleas feed on blood, causing:

• Itching and discomfort
  

• Allergic reactions
  

• Potential transmission of diseases
  
  

But here’s what many pet owners don’t realize: only a small percentage of a flea population lives on your pet. The majority exist in the egg, larval, or pupal stages in your home. Female fleas lay eggs that fall off your pet and hide in bedding, carpets, and cracks in the floor. These eggs hatch into larvae that cling to surfaces, making them difficult to eliminate. Pupae are even more resilient, protected by cocoons and activated by heat or movement.

Ticks: Silent Bloodsuckers

Ticks are arachnids, closely related to spiders and mites. In Canada, two common species to watch for are the American dog tick and the blacklegged tick, both of which can carry Lyme disease—a growing concern for pets and people alike.

How to Protect Your Pets

1. Daily Checks

A quick once-over can prevent long-term problems. Look and feel for:

• Lumps or bumps
  

• Redness or irritation
  

• Flea dirt (small black specks)
  

• Engorged ticks, which are easier to feel than see
  

2. Safe Tick Removal

Found a tick? Don’t panic. Use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick remover:

• Grasp the tick close to the skin
  

• Pull out slowly with steady, even pressure
  

• Clean the area with antiseptic and disinfect your tools
  

• Watch for signs of infection
  

• Consider sending the tick to a lab to check for Lyme disease
  

We recommend using the TiCK MiTT—an easy tool to find and remove ticks before they latch on. It includes a special dryer-safe bag for contact-free tick disposal. Just toss it in the dryer on high for 10 minutes to kill any hitchhikers.

Proven Flea & Tick Treatments

Advantage® II (for cats and dogs)

A topical treatment that kills fleas on contact—no biting required. Effective for up to four weeks, it also targets flea eggs and larvae in your home.

K9 Advantix® II (for dogs only!)

This treatment kills fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and lice on contact. Important note: do not use near cats. In multi-pet households, separate your dog from your cat for at least 24 hours after application.

Capstar

Need fast relief from an infestation? Capstar starts killing fleas within 30 minutes and can be used alongside Advantage or Advantix for added control.

Natural & Mechanical Alternatives

Diatomaceous Earth

This non-toxic powder is made from fossilized aquatic organisms. It damages fleas’ exoskeletons, dehydrating and killing them. Safe for use on pets (avoid the eyes and face) and in your home.

How to use:

• Vacuum floors and furniture thoroughly
  

• Sprinkle diatomaceous earth on carpets, pet bedding, and corners
  

• Reapply as needed after vacuuming
  

Bonus: Food-grade diatomaceous earth can be mixed into pet food as a natural dewormer and used to deter pests in birdseed or damp areas.

Flea Combs & Shampoos

Though not a stand-alone solution, flea combs are great for detecting fleas and eggs. Use them regularly to monitor infestations. Flea and tick shampoos offer quick relief and help soothe irritated skin.

Room Sprays

To truly eliminate fleas, you need to treat the entire environment. Room sprays help prevent reinfestation by targeting pests hiding in carpets and furniture.

Your Pet’s Health Comes First

Fleas and ticks are more than just a nuisance—they're a health hazard. But with the right tools and treatments, you can stay ahead of the problem. Stop by Korna Pet to explore our full range of flea and tick solutions—from vet-recommended topicals to natural remedies and innovative removal tools like the TiCK MiTT.

Protect your pets. Protect your home. Start your flea and tick prevention plan today.