25 May 2022
Spring is in the air and summer is just around the corner. Pet parents can finally take their 4-legged friends on adventures in the nice, warm weather of the outdoors. You and your dog can now have a blast as you go on hikes, take a trip to the park or even just a nice stroll around the neighborhood. However, there is always a need for precautions when you take your dog outside. As the weather gets warmer, fleas and ticks become a bigger threat to your dog’s health. It is important to know the dangers of these parasites for dogs as well as techniques for prevention and various products that can be used to protect your furry friends.
Itching and scratching are usually the first signs that your dog has come in contact with these bloodsuckers, but there are more serious illnesses and diseases they can inflict on your pets. Some of them include tapeworm, Lyme disease, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Rest assured, we will provide you with some tips on how to prevent the harm caused by fleas and ticks.
Before doing anything, make sure your home and backyard are safe from fleas and ticks. Backyards that are not properly maintained are perfect breeding grounds for these parasites. Some tips to make sure your environment is safe include:
It is very important to groom your pets regularly as fleas like to seek shelter in their fur. Washing your dog with soap and water will do the trick and kill any fleas that could be hiding. After your dog’s bath, you can brush them with a fine-tooth flea comb to get rid of any leftover critters. Washing your pet’s bedding weekly will also help prevent any flea infestations from occurring.
Topical insecticides are applied in liquid form directly to your dog’s skin. The product spreads a layer of oil on the surface of the skin, and as the dog moves around, the product is distributed over their entire body. These products are generally safe, effective, and easy to apply. It kills fleas and ticks on contact without the need for the parasites to bite. These products are only meant for dogs as they are toxic to cats. Be sure to talk to your vet before using any insecticides on your dog.
Topical medication is also applied to the skin but is absorbed immediately into the bloodstream. When the flea or tick bites your dog, it gets a dose of the drug and is killed. These products are safe and easy to apply, but unfortunately, for the medication to work, the parasite must bite your dog. Be sure to talk to your vet before using any topical medication on your pet.
Oral medication for flea and tick prevention is generally new and varies depending on the product. Some medication lasts for 3 months while others only last for 1. These products are safe and very effective, and start to kill parasites within 2 hours of administration. Unfortunately, much like topical medication, the parasite must bite the pet for the medication to kill it. Be sure to talk to your vet before giving your pet any oral medication.
You can make an effective natural insect repellent for dogs that can be applied daily by adding five drops each of tea tree oil, citronella oil, neem oil, rosemary oil, peppermint oil, lavender oil, and eucalyptus oil to one cup of water, shake it, and put it in a spray bottle. This remedy is not safe for cats as they are sensitive to many essential oils. Be sure to talk to your vet before using any natural remedies.
By following these tips, you can help protect your dog from fleas and ticks. By staying safe you can be sure to have an amazing summer with your furry friends.
This information is not intended to replace veterinary or professional advice.
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