Fleas and ticks can cause a host of problems for your dogs, from Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD) to Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted fever. In large enough numbers, both ticks and fleas can cause dangerous amounts of blood loss, especially in young animals. An effective flea and tick prevention program in essential to your dogs health.
In addition, fleas can also cause other medical problems in dogs including, tapeworms, hair loss due to scratching, and secondary skin irritations. In large numbers, fleas can cause anemia from blood loss. Some pets have been known to die if the anemia is severe. Furthermore, ticks can also transmit serious diseases, including Lyme Disease, Ehrlichiosis and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
Preventing fleas and ticks from infesting your pet is much easier and less expensive than treating an existing tick or flea problem. Choosing the right flea and tick control products now can save you considerable time, money, and heartache in the long run. These include,
- Monthly Flea & Tick Treatments
- Flea & Tick Collars
- Flea & Tick Shampoos and Sprays
- Anti-Itch Treatments
- Household Sprays and Room Foggers
To help avoid fleas and ticks in the first place, try to make sure that areas where the dog plays are sprayed with an environmentally friendly spray made for this purpose. To avoid the attack from brown dog ticks, make sure that the bedding area of the dog is kept clean, since an unclean environment will encourage their activity.
Regular grooming allows a pet owner to get up close and personal to examine areas of the skin that are susceptible to flea and tick attack. These areas will be ones with less hair, since these are easier for the tick to penetrate. Under the armpits, in the area of the ear, around the neck and even on the feet of dogs, ticks will produce a hard area which is fairly easy for the dog owner to detect. If you notice your dog in discomfort and constantly trying to remove something, itch it or lick it, this may be an indication of problems.
Keeping pets out of grasses and woods helps to reduce their exposure to fleas and ticks. Removing leaves and clearing brush and tall grass from around the house and kennel areas can also help reduce the number. However, any animal outside can easily pick up fleas or ticks so the preventive approach is highly recommend.
The best dog flea and tick products.
Merial Frontline Plus Flea and Tick Control for 45- to 88-Pound Dogs and Puppies, 6 Month
Frontline Plus Med Dog 6 Pk Blue Kill Fleas Ticks
Bio-Groom Flea & Tick Dog Shampoo 32 Ounces
Pet Naturals of Vermont – Protect Flea & Tick Repellent Wipes – 1
Frontline Plus Flea and Tick Drops For Dogs & Puppies Up to 22lbs 3 month Supply
Cyonara 9.7% Multi Use Pest Control Insecticide Ants Roach Fleas Ticks Etc 32 oz Quart
Advantage Topical Flea Treatment for Dogs 21-55 Lbs (6 Applications)
