How To Protect Your Dog from Fleas & Ticks
Summer is almost here and along with the rising temperatures comes the rise in fleas and ticks. Keeping your dog safe is of the utmost priority during these especially warm months because of the potential threat of these pests! Here in Florida, flea and tick season takes place all year round, however the risk of your dog becoming a victim is heightened during the summer months. Fortunately there are many ways to protect your pooch from these invaders, by being proactive and preventing any interaction between the two.
Fleas and Ticks 101
the most common external parasite known to infect mammals and birds. These invaders are wingless, however can jump a whopping two feet high-creepy! Fleas feed on blood alone and are ruthless when it comes to biting your dog. “Flea bites cause a slightly raised, swollen itching spot to form; this has a single puncture point at the centre, like a mosquito bite. Besides this, itchy skin disease, flea allergy dermatitis is common in many host species, including dogs and cats.The bites often appear in clusters or lines of two bites, and can remain itchy and inflamed for up to several weeks afterwards. Fleas can lead to hair loss as a result of frequent scratching and biting by the animal, and can cause anemia in extreme cases.”
Interesting Flea Fact: “Fleas have a significant economic impact. In America alone, approximately $2.8 billion is spent annually on flea-related veterinary bills and another $1.6 billion annually for flea treatment with pet groomers. Four billion dollars is spent annually for prescription flea treatment and $348 million for flea pest control.”
Ticks
“Let’s start with the absolute basics. It’s a common misconception to think that ticks and fleas are of the same family. Fleas are insects while ticks are arachnids. For people who have never owned a pet before and have never come across this parasite, this is what a tick looks like.” Common to fleas, ticks are also parasites that feed on the blood of mammals and their environment includes wooded and grassy areas.
“From the time they hatch, ticks live on an exclusive diet of blood. They have specialized appendages that allow them to attach themselves to their hosts’ and then feed by sucking out the blood. Unlike fleas, ticks cannot jump and latch onto their hosts. They usually wait for hosts to arrive on leaves of grass and shrubs.”
Health Risks of Fleas & Ticks for Dogs AND Humans
Flea Threats:
Tapeworms
Flea Allergy Dermatitis (this allergy makes dogs VERY itchy!)
Anemia (Fleas consume a lot of blood that can cause this illness or a significant amount of blood loss over time)
Ticks Threats:
Blood loss
Anemia
Tick paralysis
Skin irritation or infection
Lyme Disease
Symptoms of Fleas & Ticks in Your Dog
Nibbling on Specific Areas
Ear Scratching and Head Shaking
Sudden Fever
Feeling Tiny Bumps on Your Dog’s Skin
Skin Rashes and Scabs
Allergic Dermatitis
Licking or Biting at Skin
Hair Loss
Pale Gums
Hotspots or Scabs
Loss of Appetite
Swollen Joints and/or Lymph Nodes
Kidney Failure
Prevention and Treatment of Fleas & Ticks
Home and Backyard Pest Control Treatments
Flea & Tick Shampoos
Keep Your Grass mowed and dry
Flea, Tick & Heart-worm medication
Natural Flea & Tick Repellent
Essential Oils(Pet Safe oils only)
Keep your pets inside more
Thoroughly inspect your dog’s coat everyday
Know Your State’s Flea & Tick Season
Fleas and ticks live in every US state. However, there are times of the year when they are more prevalent. Higher humidity levels and warmer temperatures are the best homes for fleas and ticks. So, places like Florida, Texas, California, Louisiana, and other southern states are threatened by them all year long. And as the other states warm, these parasites appear. Here is a link to find out more information on fleas and ticks regarding where you live: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/whats-your-states-flea-and-tick-season/