Flea and Tick Treatment and Prevention for Dogs
Anytime a dog is outside, he has the potential of carrying a stowaway back into the house—that is, he can come back carrying a flea or tick, and you may not even notice it at first. Even if your dog doesn't leave the house, any person or animal who does can inadvertently bring fleas and ticks back into the house.
Fleas and ticks are a threat to our beloved pets, as well as to humans. When you have a dog, flea and tick control is an important part of life.
How Dogs Get Fleas and Ticks
These creatures dwell all over the U.S., in the country and the city, just waiting to find their next meal.
Fleas can jump on your pet from grass, trees, or other animals when your dog gets close to them. It will then proceed to live on your dog, feeding off his blood and breeding in his fur. Fleas can be hard to see because they're so small. If you disturb the hair near where they're hanging out they will try to hide. Fleas will indiscriminately jump on other animals and people in your home.
Ticks will crawl up grass or shrubs and weigh for your dog to brush by so they can climb aboard. Ticks will latch onto a soft spot and begin to feed by sucking out blood until they gorge themselves.
Both fleas and ticks can cause skin irritations, rashes, infections, or transmit disease. They can also both reproduce on your dog or in your home, causing an infestation. Once an infestation begins it can be difficult to manage.
Checking Dogs for Fleas and Ticks
Fleas are usually only 1-2 mm long, but if you see a small brown or black speck that is moving it is probably a flea. You may also discover 'flea dirt,' which are little specks that look like pepper they leave behind in your dog's hair or on his skin.
The best way to check for fleas is with a flea comb, which you can purchase at a pet shop. Add a little petroleum jelly to the comb and then run it through your pet's fur to see if it picks up any fleas.
Ticks can be easier to spot because they are usually larger and don't move around as much. They will fasten themselves to the dog's skin for hours at a time, swelling as they drink blood until they have quadrupled in size. You can usually find them by gently raking your fingers along the dog's skin to feel for bumps.
Flea and Tick Treatment Options
There are many flea and tick treatment options that are available for over-the-counter purchase at your local pet store or pharmacy. This includes flea collars, sprays, shampoos, and powders.
Some people find home remedies for fleas and ticks online, involving things like essential oils, vinegar, or Borax.
There is one thing the over-the-counter and home remedies have in common: they are often ineffective, and potentially toxic to your pet or humans in your home.
The safest and most effective products to use are products that your veterinarian can prescribe.
How The Animal Doctors Can Help
As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. This is doubly true when it comes to fleas and ticks. Our advice is to bring your dog in for regular check-ups and prescription preventative flea and tick treatment. When these parasites attack your dog, the medications disrupt the nervous system and kill them effectively, preventing infestations.
We here at The Animal Doctors have been treating pets in Palo Alto and the surrounding areas for 40 years. Our satisfied customers have been our best advertisements, as we provide experience and excellence in veterinary medicine combined with old-fashioned service and family values. We are proud to be among only 15% of U.S. veterinary offices accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association.
If you suspect your dog has fleas or ticks, the sooner you take action, the better. Contact us for an appointment. Our areas of coverage include the San Francisco Peninsula, including Atherton, Cupertino, East Palo Alto, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Menlo Park, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Portola Valley, Redwood City, Stanford, and Woodside.
