How does my dog get fleas and ticks?
Dogs can get fleas and ticks from their environment, such as the yard, and even indoors. If you move into a new home, fleas and ticks can lie dormant in carpets and other soft surfaces.
Can fleas and ticks spread from my dog to my home and family?
Yes, they can. Though fleas do not prefer humans as hosts, they will take a meal wherever they can get it. They can jump off of pets, lay eggs in the carpet and other soft surfaces, and can jump on us as well.
Can my dog get fleas and ticks if they are primarily an indoor dog?
Yes, indoor dogs can also get fleas and ticks. Fleas can get on them in a second, and can also be present in carpets and other soft surfaces in a new home, lying dormant in their pupal stage before hatching into an adult flea.
What health problems can fleas and ticks cause my dog?
Fleas can cause anemia, itchy skin, and flea allergy dermatitis. Ticks can cause numerous blood-borne diseases such as ehrlichiosis, which can cause paralysis, and Lyme disease.
How effective are flea and tick medications?
The effectiveness of flea and tick medications varies. There are different levels of effectiveness for over-the-counter medications, prescription medications, topical treatments, and oral treatments. Using the right one for your pet can make all the difference.
What is the difference between over-the-counter and prescription flea and tick medications?
Over-the-counter medications may be less effective and may not last as long as they claim. Prescription medications tend to be more effective for the full 30 days that you give them.
What different types of flea and tick preventative treatments are there?
There are generally a couple of different types of flea treatments. We have topicals, which are primarily used for our cats. Topicals involve applying the treatment between the shoulder blades on the skin. This method is preferred because most people don't want to struggle with giving their cat an oral treatment.
For dogs, there are also topical options available, but they can be a bit trickier. If you have a fluffy dog or a dog like ours, it can be challenging to get the treatment all the way down to the skin. Additionally, if your dog gets a bath too soon after application, the treatment might not spread evenly on the skin due to oil gland interference. These are some of the issues with topicals.
On the other hand, oral medications can be highly effective since there's less room for user error. As long as your pet ingests the medication, it will work effectively. Oral flea medications start to take effect much quicker, sometimes in as little as thirty minutes.
Typically, within about four hours, most of the fleas will have been killed. These oral medications are metabolized within the body and can remain effective for the entire thirty-day period they are given. This is in contrast to topical treatments, which may lose their effectiveness after the first couple of weeks. For pets with flea allergies and itching issues, having continuous protection throughout the month is crucial.
What will my veterinarian recommend for flea and tick treatment?
For dogs, we generally recommend oral medication due to the efficacy, unless they have a history of seizures. For cats, we usually recommend a topical treatment, which can also serve as their heartworm preventative.
How can I identify fleas on my dog?
There are a couple of different ways to identify fleas. One cost-effective method is to use a flea comb, which you can easily find on Amazon or at various stores. These combs have fine teeth that allow you to comb through your pet's fur, and you'll be able to spot the fleas as you go, especially if your dog has dark, fluffy fur like Guinness here. For lighter-colored dogs, you might not see the fleas as easily on the fur, but you can lift the hair, especially around the tail area, as fleas tend to congregate there. Another telltale sign of fleas is flea dirt, which looks like small brown specks and is essentially flea feces. It can often have a brownish-red tinge to it. You may notice these specks on the floor or on paper. These are some of the ways you can identify fleas.
How can I identify ticks on my dog?
Ticks can sometimes be mistaken for lumps or masses. They are usually small and attached to the skin. They can often be found between the toes, in the ears, or in the armpit area.
What should I do if I see fleas or ticks on my dog?
If you see ticks and are not comfortable removing them, you can call your vet. If you see fleas, the oral medications can kill them quickly, and you won't need to worry about removing them.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (941) 253-5218, or you can email us at staff@uacvet.com. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram