Flea & Tick Season
It’s a moment that all dog owners dread in the early springtime—you are casually petting your dog when suddenly you feel the little bump of a tick on their ear. What should you do next? And what could you have done to be better prepared for flea and tick season? Keep reading to see what some our favorite tips and tricks are at Doggy Daydreamz!
To begin with, what are ticks? They are parasites that attach themselves to a host and feed on their blood, possibly transmitting tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and ehrlichiosis. Sometimes tick bites can also lead to infections and anemia. Fleas appear around the same time that ticks do, and they are also parasites that can spread diseases such as tapeworms and other infections. Flea and tick season occurs in Pennsylvania from March to December, and most often, affected dogs have spent time outside in wooded or grassy areas.
Vets agree that the best prevention against fleas and ticks comes in the form of a year round flea and tick medicine that can be prescribed by your veterinarian. The type of medicine and your specific dog’s needs will vary based on where you live, your dog’s health history and other factors, so make sure to always check with your vet before starting a preventative flea and tick medication.
When checking your dog for ticks, be sure to start with the most common areas that they are found on dogs, such as their ears, groin, neck, toes, tail, armpits, and under their collar and front legs. After you take your dog outside or anywhere near the woods or grass, a tick check should be performed in order to prevent future issues. As for fleas, they are also found outside and in the grass, jumping from host to host. Fleas can be found roaming around the dog park and at doggie daycares/kennels. Visitors to your home may also be unknowingly carrying fleas, which can lead to a sudden infestation.
Once you’ve suspected a flea infestation is afoot, it is important to get a veterinarian diagnosis and advice, and then combat the situation at home. Find the source and kill any visible fleas and eggs, clear out any items that might have become infested, and wash and vacuum any affected areas of the house. Use any flea control that you may have been given at the vet, and to help prevent any future issues, make sure to keep your lawn mowed well.
Your grooming salon should always remove ticks and dispose of them properly if they are found on your dog during a grooming session.
If you have found yourself to be a victim of a flea infestation, please comment below with any tips or tricks that worked for you!