Keeping our pets safe from parasites like fleas
and ticks is as necessary as providing them with a good diet and enough exercise.
Fleas and ticks are more than just pests and can be a threat to your pet’s
health. As a pet parent, it’s crucial to learn about these parasites, the
health risks, and how to protect your beloved pets from them.
By the end of this blog, you will be equipped with
the knowledge to keep your dog safe, healthy, and free from the dangers that
fleas and ticks cause.
Let’s get started!
The
Risk of Fleas
Fleas are tiny, wingless insects that feed on the
blood of the animals. Despite their small size, fleas can jump incredible
distances. It makes it easy for them to move from the environment onto your
pet. Flea bites can cause intense itching, irritation, and even allergic
reactions.
Symptoms
of Flea Infestation
Here are some common symptoms that your pet
displays when infested with fleas:
- Restlessness
- Scratching, licking, chewing, or
nibbling at the skin - Hair loss
- Red, irritated skin
- Scabs
- Pale gums
The
Danger of Ticks
Ticks are small arachnids that feed on your pet’s blood and attach themselves to your pet’s skin to feed. They are the carriers of multiple diseases like Lyme disease, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, etc.
Symptoms
of Tick Infestation
By being aware of the signs of tick infestation,
you can ensure your pet gets the care they need before serious problems arise.
Following are the symptoms of tick infestation:
- Fever
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Skin rashes
- Itchiness or irritation
Preventive
Measures of Fleas and Ticks
With proactive steps, you can keep your dog free from
fleas & ticks and avoid discomfort. Here’s how you can effectively prevent
fleas and ticks:
- Use a vet-recommended flea and tick
treatments - Keep your home clean
- Wash your pet’s bedding regularly
- Maintain your yard
- Check your pet for fleas & ticks regularly
- Groom your pet frequently
- Regularly bath with a medicated
shampoo - Vacuum your house
Protecting
Your Dog from Fleas and Ticks
To keep your pet healthy and happy, here’s a
simple plan to help protect them from fleas and ticks:
Regular
Vet Visits
Scheduled regular checkups with your vet to get best advice on flea and tick prevention and monitor any infestation.
Effective
Treatments
Use flea and tick
treatment to provide lasting protection. Here are some of the most effective
products to protect your pet from these annoying parasites:
Bravecto
Bravecto eliminates adult fleas and prevents flea infestations. It begins killing fleas and ticks within hours of use. Bravecto is available in both chewable and topical forms for dogs and is available in topical form for cats. The treatment is convenient and provides long-lasting protection against fleas and ticks.
NexGard
NexGard is a monthly flavored chewable and is highly effective in killing fleas and multiple tick species. This potent formula is also approved for the prevention of Lyme disease in dogs .
Frontline
Plus
Frontline Plus is a topical treatment and popular among pet parents for its reliability and effectiveness. Frontline Plus treatment is available for both dogs and cats and a single dose lasts for a complete month.
NexGard
Spectra
NexGard Spectra is a
flavored chewable monthly flea and tick treatment for dogs. It also protects
against heartworms, intestinal worms, mites, lungworms and eyeworms.
Keep
Your Home and Yard Clean
Maintaining hygiene
in your home and yard helps keep fleas and ticks away. Here’s what you can do:
- Clean areas where your pet likes to rest.
- Use hot water to clean your pet’s beddings.
- Maintain the yard properly. Trim off the lawn and clear away debris.
Grooming
Regularly brush your pet’s coat and check your pet after outdoor
play sessions. Use a flea comb to find and remove fleas or ticks. If you find a
tick you can’t remove, ask your vet for help.
Final Thoughts
Protecting
your pet from fleas and ticks is the most crucial part of pet parenting. With effective
treatments and preventive measures, you can ensure your pet stays healthy and
happy. Remember, it’s always easier to prevent a problem than to treat one, so
start a better prevention plan today and keep those annoying parasites at bay!
David joined CanadaVetCare in 2013 as a product analyst and veterinary assistant. Being a passionate pet lover and keen animal health researcher, David had always found ways and solutions to help pet parents to improve their pets’ health. He is always happy to answer pet health-related queries and recommending pet parents for the right pet product for their furry companions.