Fleas and ticks are a frustrating issue for both dogs and their owners. Not only do these small parasites cause skin irritation, but they can also transmit diseases. In this blog post, we’ll delve into effective methods for preventing and treating fleas and ticks in dogs. Keep your pet healthy and content with our helpful tips.
How do pets get fleas & ticks?
FLEA
Pets, whether indoor or outdoor, are highly susceptible to flea infestations.
Even indoor cats that spend time on the patio or share their home with dogs can easily pick up fleas. As these pests are highly reproductive, with female fleas laying up to 40-50 eggs a day, it only takes a few days for an infestation to take hold.
TICK
Ticks typically crawl onto tall grass & shrubs & lie in wait for a host, such as your pet, to pass by. Dogs are more likely to catch ticks while walking in the woods or high grass from spring to fall. Ticks are more commonly found in warm climates & certain wooded regions of the Northeast.
What attracts fleas?
Fleas are attracted to warmth, movement, and the carbon dioxide emitted by their potential hosts, such as humans and animals. They are also attracted to dark and humid environments, making carpets, bedding, and furniture ideal places for them to hide and lay eggs.
How Long Can Fleas Live Without a Host?
A flea can survive for anywhere from a few weeks to over three months in the absence of a host meal, depending on external factors. However, with regular access to a host, a flea can persist for up to a year.
Signs of Tick-Borne Diseases
- Diarrhea
- Muscle pain
- Swelling in the limbs
- Seizures
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Skin lesions
- Discharge from the nose or eyes
- Weight loss
Safe ways toremove ticks
Take note!! Don’t use gasoline, petroleum jelly, nail polish, alcohol, or a hot match. These methods can force infected fluids back into the bite. Instead:
- Use gloves or tissue to cover your hands.
- Grasp the tick with tweezers from the side, by its head, close to the skin.
- Pull straight up. Don’t twist. Don’t squeeze (or pop!) the bloated belly.
- Wash the bite area & your hands.
How do I keep my dog free of fleas?
Don’t worry! There are some easy steps you can take to help prevent a flea infestation in your dogs. Here are a few tips:
- Limit the amount of time your pet spends outdoors.
- Avoid contact with wild and stray animals.
- Regularly bathe and brush your pet.
- Check your pet for fleas frequently.
- If you discover a flea on your pet or in your home, take immediate action to prevent a further infestation.
- Always follow product instructions carefully.
- Treat your pet for fleas year-round to prevent new fleas from hatching and killing adult fleas.
- Talk to your veterinarian about flea control products that are safe for your pet.
The best way to keep fleas from bothering your pets is to prevent them from invading their environment. In addition to shampooing your pets, make sure to regularly clean their sleeping areas and hangouts, including carpets, upholstery, pillows, and blankets. If you’re struggling with a stubborn flea infestation, follow these three steps to clear your pet’s environment of fleas, keep them off your pets, and use the right skin care to promote healthy skin and coats.
Step 1: Eliminate fleas from your house and yard by treating them with a flea-killing product, ensuring that it kills adult fleas and flea larvae. It is suggested to repeat the treatment multiple times to prevent re-infestation.
Step 2: Prior to treatment, wash your pet’s bedding and vacuum every nook and cranny of your house. Be sure to dispose of the vacuum bag. Clean your pet’s bedding frequently.
Step 3: Bathe all of your pets in coordination with these steps, and ensure that they are free of fleas.
Flea & Tick Spray – The Natural Way!
This unique blend of peppermint oil and clove oil extract kills fleas and ticks by contact and helps prevent future infestations naturally. These natural ingredients work together to comfort and protect your pet. Use it directly on your pet’s bedding, pillows, blankets, carpets, and rugs, or spray it directly on your pet if it is over 12 weeks old.
Key Benefits:
- Natural
- Kills fleas, flea eggs, ticks, and mosquitoes by contact.
- Repels mosquitoes
- Contains absolutely no pyrethrins or cedar oil.
- Fresh, invigorating scent
- Developed by a Veterinarian
- Made in the U.S.A.
It’s important to be aware of the potential risks that fleas and ticks can pose to your pet and even to yourself and your family. Fleas are known to transmit diseases like tapeworms, while ticks can carry Lyme disease and other serious illnesses. To ensure your pet’s overall health and well-being, it’s essential to take measures to protect them from fleas and ticks. Keep in mind that prevention is key when it comes to safeguarding your pup and your family from these pesky parasites.
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