Spring is here and the bugs are biting! Regular use of flea and tick preventative products is essential, but routine grooming can help. In fact, a professional groomer can be a strong ally in the battle against parasites.

On the lookout

A professional groomer will examine your pet before grooming, searching for any signs of parasites. The pet's skin will be thoroughly checked for sores, ticks and fleas. Since fleas are about the size of the head of a pin, and their eggs look like little grains of salt, they can be very difficult to spot, but a professional groomer is trained to recognize any evidence. Ticks are usually found on the head, neck and paws, but they can be anywhere, and the groomer will check for hiding spots.

A groomer will also recognize flea allergy dermatitis, which a pet owner may not notice. The condition starts as red, blotchy skin but can become extremely sore and uncomfortably itchy if left untreated.

Yet another pesky parasite your groomer looks for is the mite, especially the "walking dandruff" mite (cheyletiellosis). These nasty critters cause the skin to flake, and then they hide under the debris. As they migrate around the pet, the dandruff appears to move as well. Scabies mites also produce a limited amount of scaling. The groomer will alert you if she finds any evidence of mites, which will need to be treated by a veterinarian.

Treatments

Professional groomers stay informed of the latest developments in parasite control and can help keep you advised of new products.

A professional grooming salon will carry a wide variety of shampoos and treatments that are formulated to target specific parasites or conditions. For example, miconazole shampoos are used for fungal infections such as ringworm, and chlorhexidine shampoo is also an anti-fungal and anti bacterial cleanser.

Depending upon the severity of your pet's condition, you may want your groomer to consult with your pet's veterinarian to determine the best course of action, and keep those instructions on file.

Vets recommend that owners use preventative products, visit a professional groomer regularly, and check their pets regularly during the height of flea and tick season (spring and summer). Once a day is not excessive, considering the consequences. The longer it takes for you to notice a problem, the more complicated (and expensive) the cure will be.