Hartz launches SAFE program to spread flea and tick awareness

Veterinarians have seen their fair share of flea and tick infestations over the years - they are one of the most stubborn problems that a furry friend can face. Worse yet, even with regular visits to the vet, some owners just don't understand the breadth of the problem and just how detrimental it can be to the health and well-being of an animal. Luckily, Hartz has launched the SAFE program, a series of brochures, pamphlets and posters that will give pet parents a visual representation of the problem and helpful tips on how they can improve their companion's flea and tick prevention.

These products are available through www.hugprofessional.com so vets can get a first-hand look at these useful visual aids. SAFE stands for Selecting the right product for your pet, Asking your veterinarian for advice, Following the directions on the label and Enjoying happy times with your parasite-free furry friend. If everyone followed this advice, veterinarians would have far fewer flea and tick problems to deal with!

This selection of pet owner education tools could be a boost for a veterinarian's clinic and help their owners better understand the risks of these parasites. First, Hartz has released a series of informational brochures for dogs and cats about proper flea and tick control. These pamphlets will help pet parents choose the best flea and tick preventative for their animal and learn a wide range of safety precautions. Everything from proper application to how frequently the medication should be administered is detailed in the brochures.

Hartz has also released a series of informational posters that will be right at home in a veterinarian's office. Each of the four posters brings a unique set of information to the table to highlight just how important flea and tick prevention is. The company offers a flea and tick control for canines or cats comparison poster, which lists all of the EPA-approved flea and tick medications that owners can use. Additionally, Hartz is debuting a tick incidence map of the United States and an illustration of the tick and tick-borne disease life cycle. Both of these pieces of media are extremely informative and can give pet owners a visual representation of the scope of the parasite problem.

The SAFE program and www.hugprofessional.com are just a few examples of how Hartz is doing everything it can to educate veterinarians and pet owners about the year-round risks of fleas and ticks.

For more information on Hartz flea & tick Control Products and flea prevent, visit http://www.hartzultraguard.com .

Top 3 tips to prep your home for flea season

Spring is on the horizon and it is one of the most dangerous times of the year for pet parents in regards to preventing parasites. Worse yet, with the mild weather becoming a factor in many parts of the country, flea and tick populations are still at high levels, so you shouldn't waste any time preparing the inside and outside of your home against these pesky insects. Before it gets any warmer outside, take these steps to protect your furry friend against a potential flea infestation.

1. Treat your yard. Eliminating fleas and ticks at the source is one of the most effective ways of safeguarding your dog or cat during the spring. Hartz UltraGuard Yard and Kennel Spray can attach directly to your hose and treat an area up to 8,000 square feet. This will kill fleas and ticks in the areas of your yard where your dog spends the majority of his time. Be sure to mow your lawn a day or two beforehand so the active ingredients can do their job.
2. Stock up on flea shampoo. If you happen to spot any creepy critters on your pet's skin, one of the most effective ways of treating them is with flea shampoo. Hartz offers a full range of shampoos for dogs and cats that can kill fleas and ticks on contact and keep them from coming back. This product can wipe out these insects at any stage of their life cycle and includes nurturing ingredients that make it safe for their skin.

3. Take your furry friend to the vet. Parasites are known to prey on animals with weak immune systems, so make sure to bring your companion to the vet before spring. Ask your vet to perform blood work to spot any changes from his last visit and pick his brain about the best course of action to protect your four-legged friend from fleas and ticks. These simple steps can go a long way to improve your pet's overall health.

Flea and tick populations are expected to reach the highest levels in recent memory, so you'll have to stay on top of your dog or cat's parasite prevention methods throughout the warmer months. Thankfully, if you follow these steps and plan for the worst, your companion should be able to get through the season unscathed.

For more information on Hartzflea & tick Control Products and flea prevent, visit http://www.hartzultraguard.com .