Dealing with fleas and ticks...
Scratch, sratch, scratch... That's the first symptom of a flea or tick infestation.
Just what are fleas? Fleas are those small, wingless blood suckers that attach themselves to your dog. That's right, much like ticks, fleas drink the blood of your dog. Flea control is extremely important to your dog. Although all dogs will - at some point - get fleas, your dog does not have to live with the problems and discomfort for long.
Fleas can cause discomfort, rash, even disease. Fleas are a common carrier of tapeworm, a dangerous parasite for your dog, and you. Thankfull, flea control is not that difficult. The first thing you should do is call and make an appointment with your vet. Your veterinarian will be able to treat your dog's flea and tick infestation far better than you can. Your veterinarian will also be able to give you a prescription for a flea and tick control formula such as Frontline, Frontline Plus, Advantage, and Canine Advantix. These flea and tick control formulas will help protect your dog from flea and tick infestation.
Flea and tick control products
are extremely important. Popular products such as Frontline Plus, K9 Advantix, and
more are geared toward tip-top flea control. These choices
can be a bit pricey, though. If you can't afford a commerical
product, however, all is not lost.
There are many methods of controlling fleas at home. First, you must control and remove the flea and tick infestation on your dog. The first method is to remove the parasites. Tick removal is extremely easy. If you've had a dog for any length of time - especially an outdoor dog - you're probably familiar with the "chassis inspection". Simply have your dog sit down in front of you, and run your hands - slowly - over every part of his body (don't forget his tummy/underside, and the crevices where his back legs attach to his body). If you feel a bump, part his hair and see if it's a tick.
If you discover a tick, you need to remove it, immediately. The easiest method of tick removal is to use a pair of tweezers. Using the tweezers, take hold of the tick's head. If the tick's head is fully embedded into your dog's skin, then use the ends of the tweezers to puch down on either side of the tick head to expose a bit of the head. Firmly grasp the head of the tick, and pull it out. If you are unable to grasp the head of the tick, then - using the tweezers - grasp a tiny bit of skin, and the head inside the skin, and pull. I know it sounds painful - and your dog certainly will not like it - but taking a tiny bit of skin is much better than leaving the head of the tick behind. If you do leave the tick head behind, keep a close eye on the area. Chances are it will become marginally infected. Don't worry, this is your dog's immune system's method of dislodging the head. If the infection does not go away in about a week, or continues to get worse/spread, take your dog to the vet.
Flea removal is a bit more difficult and time consuming. Most vets recommend using a comerrcial quality flea control, such as K9 Advantix (K9 Advantix also helps control ticks, and mosquitos!). First, you need a flea comb. We suggest covering the flea comb in a tiny bit of petroleum jelly (vaseline) to help the fleas stick to the comb. Then, in long, smooth strokes, comb every inch of your dog's fur (except the face) with the comb. The tight teeth of the comb will catch the tiny ticks on your dog. Some people recommend using rubbing alcohol to suffocate the fleas and make them easier to catch. Take great care when using the alcohol method, however, and bathe your dog immediately after, so he does not lick the alcohol from his fur.
There are many over the counter and home remedy flea treatments availible, the most popular being products with pyrethrins. Be aware, however, that pyrethrins can be potentially toxic. Other, safer, alternatives, include adding garlic or brewers yeast to your dog's diet. Although there have not been any scientific studies done on these methods, literally tens of thousands of dog owners swear by them. Overall, the best methods of flea and tick prevention are from your veterinarian, and include products such as Front Line Plus, Advantix, and Sentinel. Using a veterinarian-recommended product is a great way to ensure your dog has a long, healthy, itch-free life!