My Dog Has Fleas
Nope. Ivar does not! Fortunately, as a kid, I learned early on about fleas when we had a Fox Terrier. My mom was easily disgusted with fleas and ticks so there was no way she would leave it up to chance. She would use all dog flea treatments she could find at the superstore or sometimes the pet shop. This being the 80’s, there wasn’t much choice around. Nowadays though, we have the Whole Wide World at our fingers making it easier. So, let’s jump in and learn how to eliminate dog fleas and ticks safely!
The Importance of Flea and Tick Prevention for Dogs
Fleas and ticks can cause serious health problems for dogs, so it is important to take proactive steps to protect them. Treatments such as flea medications, topical creams, spot-on treatments, oral medications, and more can be used to prevent infestation. Left untreated, fleas and ticks can cause skin irritation, spread diseases such as Lyme disease, carry internal parasites, and transmit dangerous viruses.
Therefore, dog owners should take precautions to ensure their pet’s well being by selecting the right flea and tick treatment for their pet’s age, breed and lifestyle. Regular vet checkups will help confirm that your dog is free from fleas or other pest infestations.
Fleas and Ticks: Appearance and Attack
Fleas are small, reddish-brown insects that feed on the blood of animals. They have a flat, pointed shape and are typically between 1/12 to 1/6 inch long. Ticks are larger than fleas and have a rounded shape. They come in various sizes, ranging from spotted wood tick larvae to adult deer tick adults.
Find a more scientific description——–> Fleas and other pests
Fleas can jump high into the air to latch onto animals or people as they pass by. They then bite their host to feed off of their blood. Ticks attach themselves onto an animal or person and engorge themselves with their host’s blood over several days. Then, they drop off and lay eggs in nearby vegetation. Both fleas and ticks can cause serious skin irritation and carry diseases. It may spread to hosts or other animals through their bites. We certainly want to avoid that!
The Top Four Treatments for Flea and Tick Prevention for Dogs
- Flea Medications: These are topical formulations of insecticides or insect growth regulators that can be used to control fleas. These medications are usually applied monthly and can range from shampoos, sprays, collars and powders to spot-on treatments.
- Topical Creams: Creams contain chemicals such as pyrethrins or permethrins which work to kill adult fleas. They are typically applied directly to the skin of the animal every two weeks.
- Spot-On Treatments: This is a liquid formulation that is applied directly onto the skin of the animal in order to control flea infestations. Spot-on treatments typically last up to four weeks, depending on the product chosen by the vet.
- Oral Medications: Oral medications contain insecticides or insect growth regulators that help prevent fleas from breeding and can kill adult fleas when administered on a monthly basis.
If you’re looking for great safe products, visit—–> Canadian Pet Connection
Methods for Finding Fleas in a Dog’s Hair
Finding fleas in a dog’s hair can be challenging as they are often difficult to spot. Here are some methods you can use to check for fleas:
- Inspection: Perform a thorough inspection of your dog’s fur, checking behind their ears and around the base of their tail. Remember that fleas may be hiding in areas where there is little light or ventilation, so make sure to thoroughly check all possible areas.
- Combing: Use a flea comb with fine-toothed metal teeth (preferably stainless steel) to carefully comb through your pet’s fur. This will help catch any adult fleas that may be present as well as eggs and larvae that may have been laid on the skin or in the fur.
- Vacuuming: Vacuuming around your home, especially near where your pet sleeps, can help remove any larvae or eggs which might still be present even if no adult fleas were found during inspection or combing. Make sure you empty the vacuum bag after each use!
What to Do if Your Dog Has Fleas or Ticks
If your dog has fleas or ticks, the best course of action is to visit your veterinarian as soon as possible. Your vet can advise you on the most effective treatments and help you ensure that your dog’s condition is properly managed. Pay special attention to his behavior during the treatment period. Dogs can have allergies or bad reaction to some products.
READ ABOUT DOG ALLERGIES—–> SYMPTOMS OF ALLERGIES (EYES)
A LITTLE MORE ABOUT DOG ALLERGIES—–> SYMPTOMS OF ALLERGIES (SKIN)
Takeaway
As I said earlier, I never had to deal with fleas on Ivar. I did however, deal with fleas in a pair of cats that I rescued 20 years ago. They were living on a farm but the farmer wanted to “get rid of them”… I could not let that happen! So, I brought them home and found they were scratching a lot. Combing their hair, I found out they were infested!
I washed, combed and sprayed them with the right stuff and I was relieved of this misfortune within 24h. Sometimes, as you treat them, you might find little specs of blood on your hands or on your dog’s fur. Don’t worry about it, it’s the blood coming out of the dying fleas. It is not a difficult task but needs to be done thoroughly.
Fleas and ticks can be a major nuisance for pet owners, but with the help of your vet and some careful monitoring of your pet’s environment, you can get them safely under control. Be sure to research the various flea and tick treatments available to find one that suits your needs best, and stay on top of any recurring eggs or larvae in order to keep your pup pest-free!
Thanks again for your time and please, never hesitate to comment or ask me questions!
J-F
