Fleas, ticks and parasites are the last thing you want in your home and on your dog – but most dogs will experience them at some point. Therefore, it is important to be proactive and prevent parasites in your friendly companion, to keep both your dog’s tail wagging and your ankles bite free!
The first step in protecting your home and your dog against parasites should be talking to your vet about your options for prevention and treatment. You should also be able to recognize the signs of ticks and fleas in your dog, as these will help you to nip the problem in the bud as swiftly as possible.
Fleas on dogs
Fleas are small and can be difficult to spot – you may even notice them on you before you notice them on your dog! Fleas can jump from animal to human, meaning they easily find their way into your home. Fleas and their bites are unpleasant for your poor dog and can cause serious itching, hair loss, and in some dogs, an allergic reaction.
Symptoms of fleas in dogs include:
- Excessive scratching and licking
- Allergic dermatitis (red, inflamed sores or rashes)
- ‘Flea dirt’, small brown specks on your dog’s skin or fur
- Hair loss
Ticks on dogs
Ticks are another common infestation problem in household pets. They look a little bit like small spiders, but with an oval shaped body. They are blood-sucking pests, and their body expands as they feed.
Ticks can pass on diseases such as Lyme disease, a bacterial infection which can cause fever, lameness, lethargy, and swollen or painful joints. As ticks can carry bacteria and other agents which cause various diseases. they must be removed as they pose risk to you and your dog.
Signs of ticks:
- Excessive licking or biting
- Head shaking
- A small bump which you feel while stroking your dog
If you see any of these signs, be sure to check your dog over, including looking inside the ears and parting their fur. If you find a tick in your house while cleaning, check your dog – chances are that they brought in the tick.
How to remove a tick
Put on a pair of rubber or latex gloves to reduce the chances of the tick passing on any infection to you. Take a pair of tweezers and grab hold of the tick as close as possible to the dog’s skin without hurting them or pinching them. Pull the tick out in a straight motion, being careful not to twist or crush the tick, and check to see that the tick has been removed from your dog’s skin.
If there is anything left behind, take your dog to the vet. If you do not feel confident in removing ticks, visit your vet so they can help you.
How can fleas and ticks be treated?
If your dog has fleas or ticks, your vet can advise on the best course of treatment. There are many options available for pet owners, including dips, topical applications, and pills. Choose the form that works best for you and your dog. You can also keep an eye on the parasites with regular grooming. Flea combs are a good option if you either already know your dog has fleas, or if you want to give them a quick check every once in a while.
Protecting your home against fleas and ticks
In order to reduce the risk of fleas and ticks setting up in your home, vacuum your house regularly, and wash your dog’s bedding at least once a week.
It is perfectly normal to be worried about having fleas and ticks in your home, but there are certain steps which you can take to reduce the chances of parasites, and to swiftly eradicate them should the need arise.
Combined
In order to reduce the risk of fleas and ticks setting up in your home, vacuum your house regularly, and wash your dog’s bedding at least once a week.
Combined with effective control treatments, these simple steps will mean your dog is much less likely to find themselves host to a parasite problem.
Fleas can be brought into your home either through your dog, your family, or other visitors. If you do find fleas in your house, don’t wait to see if more appear. Finding one is usually a sign there are others, and fleas can multiply quickly. Check your house to see where the fleas are coming from. If it is your dog, you’ll be able to see the signs of fleas on them such as excessive scratching and flea droppings, which look like fine dirt, on their coat. If you don’t see any changes in your dog, check your home for flea droppings, as these can help point you in the right direction and allow you to determine the source.
Ticks, on the other hand, are usually brought in by your dog, as ticks hitchhike into houses by latching on to your dog’s fur, but they can also cling to clothing. One of the easiest ways to protect against ticks getting in to your home is by giving you and your dog a quick check over when coming in from walks, or if your dog has been staying in kennels for a period.
Preventing fleas and ticks
Many believe that fleas and ticks are a summer problem, and prevention is only necessary in the hotter months of the year. While fleas certainly prefer it while it is warm, modern central heating means we cater to their tastes year-round. Caring for your pet year-round and preventing parasites is inexpensive and easy, as there are convenient and effective control options available.
Using a fast-acting, long-lasting treatment which is easy to apply allows you to be worry-free, safe in knowing your dog is protected long-term against parasites. Correct and convenient control means your dog’s well-being is looked after, reducing their risk of irritation and transmittable disease. Ask your vet about treatments and discuss your options with them regarding flea and tick control.
