Prevention & Treatment for Dogs - Ticks and Fleas

Ticks (and fleas) are tiny parasites that feed on the blood of their host, i.e. your dog. Fleas are little and copper-coloured, while ticks are small and usually dark brown or black. They are attracted to warmth, soft fur, and movement. That’s the reason they seek out the bodies of warm-blooded mammals, including cats, dogs, and even humans.

How do Dogs Get Fleas or Ticks?

Dogs get fleas from other flea-infested animals who either came too close to your dog or ran through your yard, scattering their fleas (and flea eggs). Dogs usually get ticks when walking through the woods or high grass. Ticks can cause diseases ranging from skin infections and anemia to Lyme Disease.

How Can You Prevent and Treat Ticks For Your Dog?

It is good to follow the proverb “prevention is better than cure” when it comes to ticks and fleas. Tick prevention is generally straightforward. It will also save you many worries later on if you take the proper steps at the right time.

Below are a few ways on how to prevent and treat tick and flea infestations for your dog.

 

  • Make sure you check your dog for ticks and fleas regularly and especially after outdoor activities. For ticks, look between the toes and under the foot, under the legs, around eyes and around and inside ears, on the lips, near the anus, and under the tail. Also, check under your dog's collar.
  • Check for bumps over your dog's body. Ticks sometimes also burrow under the skin, so it's good to know the proper method of removing a tick because the sooner it is removed, the better. For fleas, look at areas on the body where the fur is thin or sparse such as on the belly, armpits, and the sides of the hind legs.
  • Keep your dog from walking into woods and tall grass, especially in tick-endemic areas. Also, keep the brush, weeds, tall grass, and leaf litter in your yard to a minimum.
  • Use tick and flea-preventative topical medicines. For example, you could use a vet-approved product available in the market. Alternatively, you could visit your vet to get a recommendation for treatment.
  • Remove ticks as soon as you notice them. Use tweezers to grab the belly and legs of the tick and then, without applying too much pressure, pull it out in one direction.
  • You can use diluted apple cider vinegar or any other vet-recommended products on your dog's fur to make the environment hostile for ticks and fleas.
  • If you're unsure or uncomfortable about removing ticks and fleas yourself, consult your nearest veterinary clinic as soon as possible for the proper treatment.

Keeping your pet safe from fleas and ticks is easy if you are prepared. With the proper measures, you can ensure that your pet is living its best tick-free life. However, complications may arise if ticks are left on your furry friend. You must contact a veterinary clinic in that case. You can contact our veterinary clinic in Aurora for your dog’s checkup or tick and flea treatment.