How to get rid of fleas and ticks on dogs?

Healthcare -

How to get rid of fleas and ticks on dogs?

Ticks and fleas are two different types of parasites that commonly infect cats and dogs. Learning to properly remove fleas and ticks, as well as preventing disease transmission, is crucial to keeping you and your pet healthier and happier.

 

Fleas and ticks are pesky ectoparasites that like to hide in a dog's fur and cling to the skin for food. If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, be careful. It's probably infested with fleas and ticks.



Ticks and fleas are common in warmer months, but some can survive freezing temperatures. They also jump from pet to pet, so even if your dog spends most of her time indoors, these parasites will find a way to infect her body. Fleas and ticks often carry other parasites and diseases that can be harmful to your dog's health and in some cases can be fatal.



To get rid of ticks and fleas on your dog, first, know how to look for them.

Ticks tend to be larger than fleas, although they generally prefer to move to warm, dark, moist areas of their bodies. It's important to check your dog's whole body regularly, including between the toes, ears, and facial folds.



Fleas are smaller than ticks and often infect many parts of the body. Symptoms include intense itching, hair loss, redness of the skin, and bruising. You should first examine the dog's tail or neck, separate the fur and look carefully for any minor, black, jumping bugs. You may also see small white spots in the hair, which are flea eggs; The black spots on the skin are flea droppings.



The easiest way to find fleas on a dog is to use a flea comb. If you see flea eggs or feces when grooming your fur, you are infected. Fleas tend to be more difficult to remove than ticks because they are smaller and more numerous. Even if the fleas are removed with a simple bath, the eggs will eventually hatch, or the fleas in the home can jump back on the dog and cause another infection.

 

Treating ticks and fleas in your yard and home is one of the best ways to prevent infection or reinfection. Some ways to protect your yard include:
Mow the grass and trim all shrubs.
Seal all open spaces where outdoor animals can nest. Avoid leaving food for nearby animals.



Flea infections in the home can be more serious than ticks because fleas are often present in large numbers. Ways to protect your home during a flea infestation include:
Vacuum regularly to remove common areas where these parasites live.
Clean furniture such as cloth chairs and sofas, as well as baseboards and any dog beds in the house.
Replace the vacuum bag or empty the vacuum container frequently outside the home in a closed environment.
Wash your dog's bedding and toys in hot water several times a week to kill any immature fleas.
If the home infection is severe or your dog continues to develop recurrent flea/tick infections, contact an exterminator to discuss pet-friendly options for flea bombing the home environment.