There’s more to caring for a pet than choosing the right food. Protecting pets from fleas, ticks and other parasites is vital to good health.

The first thing pet owners need to do when deciding on a pest control regimen is to contact their veterinarian, said Dr. Rosslyn Biggs, Oklahoma State University Extension veterinarian and director of continuing education for the university’s College of Veterinary Medicine.

“Choosing a plan of action depends on several things, including the pet’s age, how they’re housed, the risk of exposure or if the animal has existing medical conditions. These factors will help determine which products are going to be the most effective,” Biggs said. “Pet owners may discover that indoor pets will have different recommendations than outdoor only pets.”

There are a variety of pest-control products available. Collars, sprays, edible products and topical options are readily available. Choose a product that provides the most coverage. Parasites, including fleas and ticks, can develop resistance to some products, so visit with your veterinarian to get the latest update on these products.