HOW TO TREAT FLEAS AND TICKS ON DOGS
Fleas and ticks on dogs are always a top concern for pet owners, because ticks suck a dog’s blood, damaging its skin and opening the door for bacteria and viruses to attack. This can lead to inflammation, or even ulceration, of the dog’s skin cells. If a heavy tick load builds up on the body, it can cause severe anemia in the dog, which can be fatal. While feeding, ticks can also transmit parasites and a number of dangerous diseases.
There are also female ticks capable of causing paralysis in dogs, due to a toxin hidden in the tick’s saliva.
Fleas and ticks can also cause a lot of trouble for your family, especially if you have small children. Fleas and ticks crawling onto arms, legs, and ears and biting a child’s skin can cause chicken pox-like rashes or fever.
Signs your dog has fleas or ticks
- Your dog scratches a lot, rubs against hard objects, and sometimes bites at its own skin.
- Looking closely at the skin over the whole body, you notice redness, allergic reaction, and scaly patches forming.
- The fur looks dry and matted together.
- Hair loss appears at the neck, ears, back, and groin.
- The dog loses its appetite, grows thin, loses weight, and looks unwell.
- Looking closely, you can see ticks attached to the skin or fur.
Effective ways to treat ticks on dogs
– Use a spray to treat fleas on pets:
Sprays also work well, but should be applied in a well-ventilated area, avoiding the eyes.
– Use a flea powder on pets:
This type of chemical is sold only by veterinary prescription and works similarly to the spray form. Apply a thin layer to the pet’s fur and skin, and leave it on as directed.
– Mix a medicated bath solution for your pet:
Mix according to the instructions on the packaging. This is most effective once a dog has already become infested with fleas and ticks. Soak the pet in this solution for at least 10 minutes to let it absorb, then leave it on.
– Use a flea-and-tick collar on your pet:
This is a type of collar containing chemicals that repel ticks and fleas. As a result, while the pet wears it, fleas and ticks on it will be killed. Choose a collar sized appropriately for your dog’s age, so it’s effective enough without harming your pet’s health.