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Spring is the great season to go out and enjoy the great outdoors with your furry friend. But with that damp and balmy temperatures bring those bugs out in the open ready to prey on our pets. Spring is the best season to go out with your dog and have fun! So don't let ticks and fleas ruin your day. Here are some of the ways you can prevent fleas and ticks this spring season.
How to Tell If Your Dog Has Ticks
Ticks Everywhere
If you come across a tick on your car's seat, furniture at home, or on the floor your dog may have one in them. When you see one, don't ignore it. Check your dog to see if there are ticks in them.
Constant Head Shaking
If you noticed that your dog shakes his head, it may be that they have tick/s burrowed on their ear canal. Ticks like to stay in warm damp places, so the ear canal is one of those places ticks thrive.
A Bump on Your Dog's Fur
This is a sure sign that your dog has ticks. If you feel a bump on your dog while you're petting him, then it's a sign that your dog has been bitten by a tick. Check the part of your dog's fur that has a bump and inspect for ticks.
How to Tell If Your Dog Has Fleas
Excessive Scratching and Chewing
Fleas rely on your dog's blood to survive. These creatures feed on blood and leave flea saliva that contains protein. It may be that your dog is allergic to that flea saliva. Your dog will start to itch or scratch. A single bite of a flea can cause your dog to be agitated and scratch for days.
Bumps and Pimples
Similarly to having a tick, fleas leave a bump or pimple to the area in which they sucked the blood on. If your pet scratches in a particular area for a long time, it can cause dry skin and hair loss in the long run. Infection could also develop which could lead to other flea-related diseases.
How to Get Rid of Fleas and Ticks
Flea and Tick Medication. Over-the-Counter flea and tick medication is an effective method to get rid of these pests. These are pills that are given to your dog once every month. These types of medications work in getting rid of ticks and fleas. These are easy to give and you won't have a problem if children or other pets come in contact with your dog after the application.
Flea and Tick Shampoos. These shampoos immediately kill fleas and ticks once they get in contact with the chemical. These shampoos are inexpensive, yet a labor-intensive method of getting rid of these pests particularly during flea and tick seasons. Unlike oral medications, the shampoos have to be applied as often as possible. Failing to do it renders the effectivity of the shampoo useless.
Flea and Tick Collars. These flea and tick collars spread the chemicals throughout your dog's fur and skin as soon as it comes in contact with your dog's neck. As simple as that, you have immediately gotten rid of fleas and ticks. Do note that the collars need to fit to make contact.
Flea and tick-proof your lawn. Trim bushes, trees, and grass to reduce the number of ticks that would be thriving in your backyard. Have your yard be sprayed of pesticides. Make sure that your dog doesn't go in the lawn until the pesticide is gone.
Keep your home clean. It doesn't mean that if you have a tick and flea in your home that your home is dirty. However, pay close attention to the areas in which your pet stays most of the time. This is where ticks and fleas will start to thrive. Check your rugs, carpeting or throw rugs. Make sure to vacuum at least once a week or more than that if there are ticks and/or fleas. Also, wash your pet's crate, bedding and toys in hot water to kill fleas eggs and its larvae.
Now that you know how to get rid off and prevent fleas and tick, you are confident to go out with your pet knowing that when you go home, your pet is flea and tick free.