Fleas and ticks are a common problem for dogs and their owners. These pesky parasites can cause skin irritation, infections, and even transmit serious diseases. As a dog owner, it's important to know how to protect your furry friend from fleas and ticks and treat any existing infestations.
Fleas and Ticks on Your Dog
During flea and tick season, it's not uncommon for dogs to become infested with these irritating pests. Fleas can rapidly multiply, laying up to 50 eggs daily, leading to major infestations. Ticks are also prevalent and can transmit Lyme disease and other illnesses when they bite. Dealing with fleas and ticks causes stress for both you and your dog. By using preventative measures and prompt treatment, you can keep your dog flea and tick-free.
In this blog post, we will cover everything you need to know about safeguarding your dog against fleas and ticks and getting rid of them if they occur. You'll learn simple daily habits to stop infestations before they start, the most effective flea and tick control products, how to thoroughly treat your home and yard, and when veterinary care is recommended. Let's get started!
Preventing Fleas and Ticks
An ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure for fleas and ticks on dogs. Stop an infestation before it ever begins with these proactive steps:
Daily inspections. Check your dog's coat thoroughly every day, especially during flea season. Look for any signs of fleas or ticks - small dark specks of flea dirt or actual insects. Catching an infestation early makes treatment easier.
Use preventative medications. Topical spot-on treatments, oral pills, flea/tick collars, shampoos, sprays, and other products can repel and kill fleas and ticks. They are highly effective when used properly. Consult your vet on the best options for your dog.
Treat your yard. Spray insecticides, spread diatomaceous earth, use nematodes, and try natural repellents like garlic or peppermint oil on your lawn. This eliminates fleas and ticks where your dog plays.
Bathe and wash bedding regularly. Bathing your dog weekly can wash away fleas. Frequently wash all bedding on high heat to kill flea eggs and larvae. This prevents re-infestation.
Vacuum thoroughly. Vacuuming carpets, furniture, and crevices eliminates flea eggs and ticks that could be hiding. Dispose of the vacuum bag outside immediately afterward.
Avoid risky areas. Steer clear of wooded, tall grassy areas which may harbor more ticks. Stick to mowed fields and yards when outdoors.
Treating Existing Flea and Tick Infestations
If you do discover fleas or ticks on your pup, take action right away. Here is how to effectively treat an existing infestation:
Remove ticks. Using tweezers or a tick removal tool, grasp the tick close to skin and pull straight up with steady pressure. Disinfect the area afterwards.
Flea combs and baths. Bathe your dog with flea shampoo then comb out fleas and eggs with a fine-toothed flea comb. Repeat every few days.
Oral and topical medications. Get prescription strength flea and tick killing treatments from your vet for severe cases. Apply monthly topicals and give oral pills as directed.
Treat the environment. Thoroughly wash all bedding, vacuum all floors, and treat your yard. This will kill all life stages of fleas and ticks.
Follow up. Continue using flea and tick prevention and combing out your dog for 2-3 weeks until the infestation is gone. This catches newly hatched fleas and ticks.
When to Seek Veterinary Care
While many minor flea and tick cases can be treated at home, it's important to involve your veterinarian if the infestation is:
Severe - If you find hundreds of fleas or numerous ticks on your dog, the infestation may be too large to tackle on your own. Your vet can provide prescription strength treatments and guidance to fully eliminate a major flea or tick problem.
Causing skin problems - Excessive biting, scratching and inflammation from fleas can lead to rashes, hot spots, hair loss and skin infections. Ticks can also transmit diseases that cause skin irritation. Your vet can diagnose and treat any secondary skin issues caused by fleas and ticks.
Persistent - If you've thoroughly treated your home and dog but fleas and ticks continue to persist, your vet can recommend advanced products and treatment methods to finally clear up the infestation. Some fleas can be resistant to over-the-counter treatments.
In need of prescription medications - For very heavy infestations, prescription strength topical and oral flea and tick treatments are often needed. These are much stronger than anything available without a prescription. Your vet can prescribe medications that kill fleas and ticks at every life stage.
Affecting other medical conditions - Dogs with allergies, anxiety disorders, arthritis and other health problems may suffer flare-ups from flea and tick bites. The stress and discomfort of an infestation can worsen these conditions. Your vet can tailor treatment to safely and quickly remedy the problem.
At risk for infections - If ticks are present, your vet can check for transmitted diseases like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Ehrlichiosis. Prompt treatment is needed if any are suspected. Fleas can also spread tapeworms and cause skin infections.
Do not hesitate to call your vet if your dog is suffering from a major flea and tick infestation. They have the tools and knowledge to relieve your dog's discomfort as quickly and safely as possible. Together you can get the problem under control and prevent it from recurring.
Animal Care Clinic: Your Partner in Flea and Tick Prevention
By taking preventative steps daily and acting quickly when fleas or ticks occur, you can keep your dog happy, healthy, and pest-free. Avoid infested areas, thoroughly treat your home and yard, and work closely with your vet if problems arise. Keeping fleas and ticks off your dog takes diligence, but is well worth it.
Schedule your next appointment with us here at Animal Care Clinic and together we'll make sure your dog stays flea and tick-free! Our compassionate, experienced veterinarians are here to help keep your furry best friend feeling their absolute best