Lyme Disease and High Population of Mosquitoes Pose Threat to Many Parts of the Country

OMAHA, Neb., July 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The threat of Lyme disease is predicted to be extremely high for dogs in many parts of the country this year, and several areas are also confronted with a high population of mosquitoes (carriers and transmitters of heartworm disease), according to the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC).

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Lyme disease is transmitted through the bite of an infected tick and can affect many species, including dogs and humans. Heartworm disease, transmitted through an infected mosquito, is a serious and potentially fatal condition posing great danger to dogs, cats and other species of mammals.

To avert any type of infection or infestation, CAPC recommends year-round prevention for dogs and cats.

"While virtually all infestations of parasites are preventable, estimates indicate that fewer than half the dogs in the country are protected. Prevention is easy and relatively affordable when compared to the cost and heartache of treating a sick pet," explains Dr. Chris Carpenter, CAPC executive director.

Whether avoiding ticks or repelling mosquitoes, it has become increasingly easier for pet parents to provide prevention. "Some topical flea and tick solutions, such as SENTRY^® PRO XFT, kill fleas, ticks, flea eggs, flea larvae and repel mosquitoes when used on dogs, according to the label directions," said Dr. Tony Johnson, veterinarian in Indianapolis, Ind.

According to Dr. Johnson, steps to help minimize a mosquito's life cycle include:

• Changing the water in birdbaths, pet bowls and wading pools frequently
• Eliminating standing water near animal areas
• Removing tin cans, old tires, buckets or anything that can collect and hold water
• Irrigating the lawn and garden carefully to prevent water from standing for several days

Other tick preventative products can include anything from yard sprays and home powders, to the wide variety of squeeze-on treatments, sprays, collars, powders and shampoos that battle and/or repel these bugs. For a full line of Sergeant's products, visit the Sergeant's website at sergeants.com. Always remember to thoroughly read the directions of each product. Do not expose your pet to multiple products at the same time.

For those who prefer to use natural methods of pest control, SENTRY Natural Defense^® is a line of flea, tick and mosquito control products that contain natural ingredients. For more information on SENTRY Natural Defense^®, visit sentrynatural.com.

SENTRY^® PRO XFT and SENTRY Natural Defense^® are available at pet specialty stores nationwide.

About Sergeant's Pet Care Products, Inc.

Sergeant's Pet Care Products, one of America's most trusted brands of pet supplies, is an Omaha, Nebraska-based manufacturer of pet products. As part of the Perrigo Company (NYSE: PRGO), a leading global manufacturer of OTC healthcare products, Sergeant's brings effective, in-demand flea and tick treatments, health and well-being solutions and treats for dogs and cats to grocery, mass, dollar, drug and club retailers. For more information, visit Sergeant's website at sergeants.com. To be a part of the ongoing conversation about pet health, join Sergeant's social media community, Pet Health Central (facebook.com/phcfans and blog.sergeants.com).

SOURCE Sergeant's Pet Care Products, Inc.