Ticks and fleas can be a serious problem for dogs. If your dog gets infested with ticks, they can spread disease and cause itching. Fleas can also cause skin irritation, hair loss, and anemia. These parasites can be difficult to eliminate because they like to hide in your home and yard.
In 2021, the pet care industry in the USA was valued at US$ 60 billion, growing more than 15.7% over the previous year. The record inflation of 2022 has further increased the costs of pet care. That makes it crucial to act fast to rid your beloved pooch of flea and tick infestations by preventing them from happening in the first place.
Here are a few things you can do at home to treat them and ensure your pet remains healthy and playful, untroubled by ticks and fleas:
1. Treat Your Dog with Medicine
You can consult your vet to get a prescription for a flea and tick medicine that you can administer orally to prevent or manage an infestation. One of the medicines prescribed by vets is Credelio for dogs, which is a chewable tablet. You can order the same online if your vet prescribes it for your dog.
Credelio for dogs acts quickly to kill fleas before they lay eggs. That means you won’t have to worry about any future infestations. It works by attacking the central nervous system of adult fleas. It spreads through the bloodstream, killing larvae within 24 hours of being bitten by an infected adult flea or tick. The medication provides long-lasting protection from both fleas and ticks.
2. Use a Flea Comb
Your dog will thank you for regularly using a flea comb. Besides removing fleas, it also helps remove loose hair and dead skin that can cause irritation and itching. You can use a flea comb on any breed of dog. It is easy to use and affordable.
3. Use a Dehumidifier
If you live in a humid climate or have a pet with allergies, buying a dehumidifier can be an effective way to prevent ticks and fleas from multiplying. They also help absorb excess moisture from the air, thus preventing mold and mildew growth.
A dehumidifier is recommended in homes where the humidity is more than 50%. Before purchasing a humidifier, check your room space, the pint capacity of your humidifier, and its placement in your home.
Remember, the dehumidifier should be in a place where your dog hangs out the most, ensuring ticks and fleas are unable to multiply on their coat.
- Avoid Stagnant Water
Keep your dog away from stagnant water. It can be a problem if you take him out for a walk in the woods and let him drink from a stagnant pond or lake. The ticks and fleas will jump onto his fur. But not all of them will stay there.
Some might jump off and make their way into the ground, where they can lay eggs, which hatch later on when conditions are right.
5. Consider Using a Flea and Tick Collar
Flea and tick collars are also a great way to protect your furry friend. These collars are made from ingredients, like permethrin and pyrethrins, which can kill adult fleas and ticks for up to three months after use.
Flea collars have several advantages over topical treatments. Unlike topical treatments, you don’t have to apply them carefully every month. Also, they don’t cause skin irritation as some topical treatments do.
However, these collars may not be as effective as other treatment methods because they only cover one area at a time, precisely the neck, rather than being applied all over the body.
The important thing to remember is that treating ticks and fleas is an ongoing process. It won’t happen overnight. You have to be patient and consistent in your approach.
Fleas and ticks can bite humans, too. Diseases like plague and typhus, which are deadly for humans, get transmitted through fleas. A flea bite can also result in flea allergy dermatitis.
You need to be vigilant. Keep an eye out for signs of any potential problems with your dog’s health or behavior, and act quickly if necessary. Since prevention is better than cure, it is important to have a routine in place, including regular medication, grooming, and checkups to ensure your pet doesn’t suffer from flea or tick infestations.
We hope that adopting the practices detailed in this article will help you ensure a happy and healthy life for your pet.
