In the summer months, fleas and ticks are usually more active. These small parasites feed on the blood of our four-legged companions. In addition to being very annoying, they can cause serious infections and transmit numerous diseases.
Here we explain how to eliminate ticks and fleas in dogs, following the most effective treatments.
Index:
- How to detect fleas in dogs?
- How to know if your pet has ticks?
- How to eliminate ticks and fleas in dogs?
- Steps to eliminate fleas
- Steps to remove ticks
- Tips for eliminating ticks and fleas at home
How to detect fleas in dogs?
Due to their small size, it is not easy to spot fleas on dogs. These tiny insects usually lodge in the warmest areas of our pets, such as the neck, armpits, groin, and belly. To detect if your dog has fleas, watch out for the following symptoms:
- Itching.
- Frequent scratching and licking.
- Skin irritation and redness.
- Hair loss.
A very effective way to detect fleas on dogs is to spray water on the animal’s coat. The excrement of these parasites, which appears as small black dots, turns reddish as soon as it comes into contact with water.
How to know if your pet has ticks?
Ticks are easier to identify than fleas since they are larger and do not move as quickly. Even if you have never seen one, you will recognize them easily: they are about the size of a lentil and not very fast at moving. The first symptom that your dog has ticks is continuous and insistent scratching. If your furry friend won’t stop scratching, carefully part its fur to look for these parasites. Ticks usually settle on the neck, behind the ears, and between the paw pads.
How to eliminate ticks and fleas in dogs?
Although there are home remedies to eliminate ticks and fleas in dogs (such as tea tree oil or brewer’s yeast), the best treatment against these annoying invaders is the combined action of the following products: antiparasitic shampoo and spray, a flea comb, tweezers, and a preventive treatment such as a pipette or collar. Once you have these products, if you don’t know how to eliminate ticks and fleas in dogs, follow the steps we explain below.
Steps to eliminate fleas:
- Bathe your dog with warm water and antiparasitic shampoo. Rub all areas of its body well, except the face and ears. Pay special attention to the neck, armpits, groin, and belly.
- After the bath, brush your pet’s fur with a flea comb. Remove and kill all the fleas you find.
- Apply a pipette or put on an antiparasitic collar, following the instructions for use.
Steps to remove ticks:
- Inspect your dog’s coat to locate ticks. Do not try to pull them out abruptly: if the head remains inside your pet’s skin, it will be much more complicated to remove.
- Spray antiparasitic spray directly on the tick and wait a few minutes for it to detach itself. When you see that the insect has pulled its head out of the skin, you can carefully remove it with tweezers.
- Dispose of all ticks to prevent them from returning to your dog.
- Apply a pipette or put on an antiparasitic collar, following the instructions for use.
Tips for eliminating ticks and fleas at home
These small parasites can also infest humans and cause annoying allergic reactions. Therefore, in addition to killing fleas and ticks on dogs, it is very important to carry out a thorough disinfection at home: Wash your furry friend’s blankets, bed, and toys in the washing machine at more than 60 degrees. If there is any item that cannot be washed, it is best to get rid of it. Wash your clothes and all textiles in the home. Vacuum the entire house, paying special attention to carpets, rugs, and upholstery. Mop the floor with water and bleach.
Now you know how to eliminate ticks and fleas in dogs. After deworming your pet and disinfecting the entire house, we recommend taking your dog to the vet. After a complete check-up, the whole family will be able to sleep more peacefully and without itching.
In addition, you should remember that, to guarantee the complete health and well-being of your pet, premium quality food is essential. Therefore, we recommend the dog kibbles and wet dog food from Only Fresh. You will find a wide variety of delicious recipes made with completely natural ingredients.
