Best Ways to Prevent Fleas and Ticks for Dogs
Dealing with pests and fleas are, unfortunately, an inevitable part of pet ownership. Nobody wants to deal with them, and yet, we must. Especially for pet parents in Michigan, fleas and ticks are common as the seasons change and spring and summer begin to bloom. Fortunately, there are a handful of strategies and methods to get rid of and prevent fleas and ticks in dogs. In this week’s PUPDATE, we’re going to go over some of the best ways to prevent fleas and ticks for dogs.
The Problems With Fleas and Ticks
The problems with fleas and ticks got beyond just an itchy irritation to cats, dogs, and other household pets. These blood-sucking parasites can cause painful inflammations, open sores, and other irritations on pets with especially sensitive skin. The issues can be exacerbated in pets that have allergies, and severe infestations of these pests can result in loss of fur as well as anemia. They can transmit diseases among species (pet to livestock to humans, or any combination therein), such as Lyme disease, sleeping sickness, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tapeworms, and myxomatosis, to name a few. Because of these risks, it’s critical that we take this threat seriously and look for the best ways to prevent fleas and ticks for dogs and other pets.
Removing Fleas and Ticks and Stopping them From Returning
Fortunately, there are many methods and practices that can be taken to minimize the common problem of fleas and ticks in pets. The best ways to prevent fleas and ticks in dogs are to disrupt their life cycles, killing off the mature parasites, and ensuring that their larvae can’t begin their life. Making the skin inhospitable for fleas and ticks prevents them from returning. Check out our best ways to prevent fleas and ticks for dogs:
Shampoos
Special shampoos and conditioners with flea and tick medications incorporated into their formulas are usually highly effective at removing and preventing these pests. For our best products and recommendations, speak to a team member at your local pet store nearby, Wags to Wiskers Pet Supplies, in Ann Arbor at 2270 W. Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI, 48103, or in the Chelsea, MI area at 1192 S. Main St, Chelsea, MI, 48118, or up north in the Ludington area at 4815 W. US-10, Ludington, MI, 49431.
The strength of the various shampoo products can vary and their effectiveness will depend a little on the pet's coat type and fur density, so it’s important that you look at the labeling or ask a staff member for what the best fit would be for your dog to prevent fleas and ticks from returning.
Medications
Your local Wags to Wiskers Pet Supplies stores nearby sell a few different types of pet medications that can alter the pet's body chemistry to make it a less attractive destination for parasites like fleas and ticks - or even make it harmful for them. These medications may be pills or can be mixed into pet food. For severe infestations, it’s recommended that you visit your local veterinary office.
Topical Treatments
We have more of these in stock than medications, and several OTC or homeopathic or natural treatments. These are rubbed into your pet’s fur and skin to discourage fleas and ticks. They can be used both after a flea or tick has been removed as well as after for preventative measures. They come in different forms: drops, sprays, or powders, and they are meant to be left on the animal. We can also provide medicated collars for longer-term treatment in the neck and head region of your pet. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, speak with a staff member as we are happy to special order for our customers!
Dips
A flea or tick dip is a concentrated treatment that is usually sprayed or rubbed onto a pet's fur, or the pet may be dipped into the chemical. Consider this type of treatment very cautiously as they are generally extremely strong. On the other hand, they are usually effective immediately. In the case of flea and tick dips, we highly recommend starting small with one body part rather than your entire pet to ensure that no short-, medium-, or long-term negative effects are felt by your pet.
House Cleaning
A less-thought of preventative measure for fleas and ticks is a good, thorough spring cleaning of your house! Fleas and ticks make their homes in carpeting, upholstery, even bedding, and pet toys while they wait to return to a host pet. Frequently cleaning bedding, blankets, toys, rugs, drapes, carpets, and upholstered furniture can minimize flea and tick outbreaks.
Healthy Diet
There are few areas of your health that aren’t improved by a healthy diet. One of the best ways to prevent fleas and ticks in dogs is a healthy diet and consistent grooming. Fleas and ticks are attracted to unhealthy coats, dry or flaky skin, matted patches of fur, and open sores or cuts. These are areas of easy opportunity for fleas and ticks, and a healthy, nutritious diet helps provide strong, healthy skin and a lush coat of fur to provide natural resistance to these parasites.
For help with your pet’s diet, visit your local pet supplies store nearby in Ann Arbor, Chelsea, or Ludington, MI. Contact our team with any questions directly.
Home Pest Treatments
Just like the case of any other severe pest infestation around the house, it might be necessary to call in an expert to provide strong treatment around your home. Sprays, foggers, and granules can kill pests and keep them away, and you can often find DIY kits at a local home and garden store. Be careful and follow all of the instructions for safe use of these chemicals, but they can be one of the best ways to prevent fleas and ticks in dogs and other household pets.
It’s also important to know that treating the home and surrounding area once may not be enough and regular year-round or quarterly treatment will be most effective in prevention.
Proper Lawn Care
Fleas and ticks thrive in landscaping that has plenty of moist crevices for them to hide, such as overgrown grass or bushes, overflowing gutters or runoff, and hard-to-manage areas of vegetation. Spending some time to prune trees and shrubs, mowing the grass, and removing excess brush, fallen leaves, and sticks can make your yard less inviting for fleas and ticks.
Discourage Wildlife Interaction
Squirrels, mice, raccoons, rabbits, and deer can all carry fleas and pass them on to your pets. Discouraging interaction between your homebound pets and wildlife can prevent the passing of these parasites.
Inside Time
Late spring to early fall is when fleas and ticks are most populous, and unfortunately, but understandably, this is when the weather is best in Michigan. Although it can be tough to limit outside time during these months, you can prevent fleas and ticks in your dogs by avoiding leaving them outside for hours at a time. Be sure to give their coat a thorough look-through when they come inside!
Our Wags to Wiskers Pet Supplies staff are confident that if you engage in even three of these strategies regularly, then fleas and ticks won’t be an issue this spring or summer for you and your dog. It’s important to keep up with different tactics such as these or else these persistent parasites will return as soon as they can. With an ongoing regimen and good care to keep these parasites away, your pets can remain free of bothersome fleas and ticks.
For further assistance or questions or resources, feel free to speak with a team member at Wags to Wiskers Pet Supplies, your local pet supplies store nearby in Ann Arbor, Chelsea, and Ludington.