This summer, many dog owners are starting to think about fleas and tick prevention. Fleas and ticks seem to look forward to the warm months for setting up camp in your dog’s fur. You might not even realize you’ve brought them home until it’s too late. It’s better to start planning ahead for them now, rather than dealing with them later. We’ve put together the top solutions for fleas and ticks, so you can decide on the best option now.
A terrible side effect of flea and tick bites are the irritations your dog will experience. It doesn’t feel good to be bit by the insects and your dog will show you signs if they have. Many breeds of dogs are allergic to these bites too, so being vigilant in preventing is helpful.
Because dogs cannot tell you when the pain or irritation, dogs will itch. Itching and other signs can be observed as calls for attention. Other signs of bugs are licking, panting, drooling, or in severe cases allergic reactions. Preventing flea and tick bites can not only give your dog a happier life, it can also save you time and money.
Vet Prescriptions
This is one of the easiest ways to prevent fleas and ticks getting on your pets. Vet treatments usually involve chemicals and while many owners don’t like using them, they’re effective. Make sure to speak with your vet about how to use these products. Many brands your vet may prescribe can be purchased online, so be careful that you follow directions.
Natural “At Home” Remedies
This solution is much more friendly to your pet and is becoming ever so popular. One ingredient that many dog owners use to prevent pests on fur at home is garlic. Because fleas and ticks can’t stand the smell or taste, garlic can prevent your dog from attracting them in the first place. Another home remedy option that can be used to prevent ticks is apple cider vinegar. Putting a small bit of these oil essences in your dog’s collar from lemon, rosemary or lavender, will also help fend off the fleas and ticks.
Keeping Your Yard Clean
This seems like an impossible task at times, but keeping a clean yard can help tremendously. Cleaning your backyard and making sure there aren’t places for fleas and ticks to live can diminish their presence. If you’re able to prevent them from your yard, you’ll have an easier time keeping them off your dog. Around your home yard, planting lavender, lemongrass and peppermint can help prevent the pests from living there.
Bathing Shampoos
Using the bathing method at home helps to remove ticks and fleas after they’ve already irritated your dog. Some shampoos may also help to heal the inflammation from their bites also. Make sure to speak to your vet about shampoo options. A good brand is called Duoxo.
This company specializes in shampoos for allergy prone dogs, but also supports flea and tick wounded skin. Because this solution can be used in combination with vet prescribed medication, it’s often recommended. If you notice your dog is itching and suspect it’s from recent bites, purchase this shampoo first. Apply the shampoo generously, scrubbing to the root of their fur, then let it sit for ten minutes. Letting the shampoo work deep into their fur will help alleviate any pain they may be feeling.
Combing And Brushing
Being observant during combing and brushing will also help you detect your dog’s signs of fleas or ticks. You may not notice that fleas and ticks have gotten into your dogs fur until it’s far too late. Making sure you’re watching your dog’s fur change through the seasons will help. Look out for signs of “flea dirt”. Flea dirt is actually dried blood, but is found at the base of the fur, where it grows from the skin. Ticks will look like hard black or darkened mounds. Usually ticks will require a vet’s attention, as you do not want to remove a tick that is carrying Lyme Disease. Because many ticks now carry Lyme, it is important that a proper removal from a vet is performed.
House Cleaning Prevention
Using a vacuum to clean your rugs and floors can be a huge way to decrease the possibility of fleas and ticks coming into your home. While both dogs and humans may track them into your home, fleas and ticks love a good warm rug to live in. Vacuum often, using deep reaching tools to properly clean crevices and paneling along the edges.
Ultimately if you have a dog, you’ll most likely experience pests at some point. The issue come with the territory, but preventing them can help you save time, money and give your dog a happier life.
