If you are a dog owner, sooner or later your four legged friend will probably need effective flea and tick prevention.
Not only are fleas uncomfortable and irritating to dogs and their owner, if left untreated their bites can lead to a serious skin infection and loss of condition.
Ticks are perhaps even potentially more dangerous and can cause such serious diseases as anaplasmosis or stiff joints, and Lyme disease so treating them promptly is an important aspect of dog health.
Prevention is better than cure and there are several effective steps you should take in flea and tick prevention. Ticks are commonly found in wooded areas, or areas of bushes and tall grass and limiting the time spent in this environment can reduce the chances of bites from these insects. They are more prolific in certain parts of the country and at certain times of the year.
You can buy an insecticidal collar at your local pet store which will help prevent ticks from biting and sucking the blood of your dog.
If you do notice one or more ticks on your dog, you should remove them as soon as possible. Using tweezers or very small pliers gently grip the tick by its head and slowly pull it out of your dog’s skin – never try to twist it out. After removing it, gently apply some alcohol to the spot, although if your pet is allergic to the bites, you may need to administer an antibiotic and treat the affected area with an anti-allergy medication.
Flea and Tick prevention, how to remove a Tick from your dog
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A flea infestation can be a horrendous problem to have to deal with, and it is much better to practice flea and tick prevention, rather than treat a serious infestation. Check for signs of these insects regularly; excessive itchiness and a loss of hair are sure signs that your dog has a problem. You should also check your dog’s bedding area carefully for signs of flea dirt or debris, which appears as tiny black specks. Fleas are more common during the summer, so it pays to be especially vigilant.
If you do have a flea problem, it can be treated. There are various powders, shampoos and sprays available, although for any of these to be effective, you must repeat the treatment for days, sometimes weeks. You may have to treat your home as well in order to be completely free of them. Probably the best solution for your dog is a ‘spot-on’ medicine, which is applied to the back of your dog’s neck and which is usually effective for several weeks; another effective option is a flea collar.
If your dog never has a flea and tick problem, consider yourself lucky. Make sure you take precautions for effective flea and tick prevention and be sure to tackle any problem as soon as you can. Your dog will certainly appreciate it.
