Protecting Your Dog From Ticks & Fleas

In areas where there are winter temperatures, ticks have the ability to survive in microclimates. Once the thaw arrives, female ticks can lay hundreds of thousands of eggs at a time, a disturbing thought to be sure. Fleas are also extremely tough and survive freezing temperatures by cocooning themselves on wild animals or even inside buildings. Once spring arrives and temperatures go above 60 degrees, they return with a vengeance and can affect even the cleanest dogs. Below are several methods that can help eradicate fleas and ticks.

Water is actually very effective against fleas since they do not grab hold of the dog’s hair shafts. As a result, when your dog jumps into water, most of the fleas will fall off and drown. Give your dog a thorough bath with a gentle shampoo, preferably one with a citrus base, to rid him of fleas. Brush his hair regularly to keep these pests at bay.

Ticks are not as easy to remove and are experts at hiding in long grass waiting for an opportunity to find a host. They use body warmth to detect passers-by and your dog is a perfect target when playing outdoors. A simple solution is to cover-up clothing for him. You can use old socks and a t-shirt to fit the body and legs of your dog. While this will not completely prevent ticks from becoming attached to his body, it will prove effective, as many of the ticks will have nothing to cling on to.

Fleas and ticks carry dangerous bacteria, so you need to focus on repelling them completely. Rose geranium oil and other similar essential oils are excellent natural repellents and can be easily applied to your dog’s collar. You should also check your pet during the day when located in an area you know has ticks and fleas, so you can remove them accordingly.

When all else fails, there are several branded products that have been proven as effective methods of protecting your dog. The best products will kill adult fleas, larvae, and eggs, as well as all stages of ticks. However, the effectiveness of such products depends on consistent dosing. Most products of this nature require one dose a month and if you miss it, you increase the chances of a flea infestation causing your pooch all manner of problems. No matter what time of year it is, always apply flea and tick removal products as directed.

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Tick and flea prevention – Shutterstock (view source)