Tick, Flea Control for Dogs

Dogs are a favorite host for fleas and ticks. These parasites suck blood from their hosts and are the root cause for the transmission of a number of diseases. This is why controlling tick infection in dogs is so important.

• You should keep your dog out of the woods and other grassy areas as it helps minimize any possible exposure to the parasites.
• Always perform a tick check on your pets, including around the eyes and inside the ears, after they return home from a romp outside. By removing a tick within 24 hours of infestation, you can reduce the chances of disease.
• On a monthly basis apply topical insecticides on your pet’s back. They are easy to use and protect your pet from ticks and fleas. These insecticides kill both adult fleas and larvae. You must consult a veterinarian before using them on sick, aged, pregnant, or nursing animals.
• There are also sprays for flea or tick control which come in pump bottles or aerosol cans. Use the spray in small doses on all the areas of the animal. The sprays repel fleas and ticks and also stop development of flea eggs.
• You can use special shampoos to get rid of ticks. For tick and flea control in dogs you must apply the shampoo all over the dog’s body and allow it to stay on for at least ten minutes prior to rinsing it off. Make sure that the shampoo doesn’t enter the eyes or ears as it may be harmful.
• Medicated collars are also effective for tick control for dogs. You must use the collar properly and ensure that that the dog doesn’t chew the ends. You must use collar in conjunction with other flea and tick products. A good tick collar will kill the ticks in 24 hours or less.
• You may also use special dips which contain permethrin, pyrethrin, or organophosphates. Place cotton balls on your dog’s eyes and ears before using such dips and ensure that you apply them in an area that is well ventilated.
• It is important to confirm that your dog is responding well to the products that you use for tick and flea control. In case you suspect an adverse reaction or observe symptoms such as loss of appetite, elevated body temperature, labored breathing, seizures, and increased excitability you must visit your vet. Meanwhile, bathe your dog with a mild detergent and rinse its body with large amounts of water.
• Apart from using tick control measures on dogs, you must spray the kennel and yard properly to avoid tick and flea attacks. Ticks like leaves, debris, bushes, and long grass, so it is vital that you remove these things from your lawn, and from the areas where your dog plays. Regular use of insect development inhibitors may reduce the risk of fleas becoming established in the indoor and outdoor environment and on your pets.