Preventing Fleas and Ticks in Dogs

Fleas and ticks are common pests that attack pets. During warm seasons, fleas and ticks multiply and attack pets. Dogs are most likely to be infested by pests because they like to play outside in the long grass during the summer. Responsible dog owners should be on the lookout for pets and ticks, especially in the warm seasons. Ticks and fleas cause a wide range of health problems for your dog, including Lyme disease, skin infections, and digestive tract infections.

Fortunately, flea and tick infestation can be prevented. Preventing an attack is easier than dealing with an infestation. Here are ways that you can keep off pesky ticks and fleas from your dogs.

Keep Your Dog Clean

Dogs love to run around in the woods, in the grass, and sometimes they dig around for fun. Cleaning them afterward is important. Give your dog a bath using tick or flea shampoo. Regular baths keep your dog clean and reduce any chance of pests causing irritation as well as laying eggs in their fur. If your dog is already irritated from itchy skin, give him a warm oatmeal bath to soothe the skin.

Take Care of Your Lawn

Ticks and fleas thrive on your lawn during warm weather. They multiply and attack your pets in multitudes. Long grass and bushy areas are conducive for ticks and fleas to thrive. Mowing your lawn and removing weeds keeps it clean and neat. You can spray a dog-safe spectrum pesticide to get rid of them. You can also use environmentally friendly food-grade diatomaceous earth to treat your lawn.

 

Clean Your Dog’s Beddings

If you clean your dog and forget to clean its environs, you are doing zero work. Remove your dog’s bedding and clean them as well. If your dog sleeps in a kennel, work on those corners and cervixes where pests love to hide. If they sleep in the house, clean their beddings with pesticides and let them air outside now and then.

 

Try Natural Remedies

Natural home remedies for ticks and fleas are good because they take care of the problem and they are safe for the dog and the environment. Some essential oils such as eucalyptus, peppermint, tea tree, citronella, and rosemary are good pest repellents. Dilute them in a spray bottle with water and spray your dog. You can get an essential oil dog collar hat that repels pests as well. Vacuuming and steam cleaning your house well will help to get rid of fleas in the house.

Ask Your Vet for a Safe Pest Control Prescription

If push comes to shove and you end up with an infestation, ask your vet for a dog-safe pesticide. When using pesticides on your pets, always read the labels to make sure you use them safely. Choose products that are safe for you, the dog, and the environment. If the infestation is too much, look for a professional exterminator.

 

Additional Tips

If you notice fleas or ticks in one pet, you should treat all the pets if you have multiples. Inspect your dogs in their ears, armpits, between their paws, near the anus, and under the collar. The hidden folds are more susceptible to pests than the exposed parts.

To know more about preventing fleas and ticks in dogs, visit Liberty Animal Clinic at our office in Hinesville, Georgia. You can also call (912) 368-4080 to book an appointment today.