To have a furry friend, a most loyal and loving companion, is undoubtedly a delight. Watching your dog thrive is a source of unmatched joy. For those of us who have dogs, we know the feeling is nothing short of having a child. To watch them unwell is distressing, which is why we should ensure that as we embark on this journey, we are well aware of the different ways in which we should care for them. A common struggle faced by dog parents throughout the world is dealing with ticks and fleas. While we may revel in the fun and frolic that arises from the antics of our dear pet, we must also constantly care for them to ensure that while they befriend all those around them and gain everyone’s adoration, they do not gain any unwanted attention from pesky pests! To be a pet parent and get showered with love is a privilege, which is accompanied by significant responsibility. Dogs are prone to becoming infested with a host of tiny pests- the small creatures can be an enormous problem if not properly dealt with! While the effects of such tick and flea infestations may seem daunting, they can be easily avoided if the appropriate preventative measures are taken. Here we will provide you with a detailed guide to help you keep your dogs free from unwanted pests, and ensure that the only thing they bring home is an abundance of love. 

In this blog, we will share the ways to identify a tick or flea problem. We will explain how through a number of simple measures, we can stop this problem from occurring in the first place. If caught in the early stages of an infestation, tried and tested home remedies can help you to keep your dog tick-free without taking them to the vet and thus avoiding both elaborate bills, as well as a frightened pooch.

How to Identify the Issue?

For first-time dog parents who might feel afraid that such an issue might go unnoticed, there are some tell-tale signs of a tick and flea problem. Here are some of the ways to identify a tick or flea infestation. While the symptoms of a tick infestation might differ according to the type of tick, a common sign is irritation of the skin or anemia. Keep an eye out for your dog constantly scratching certain parts of their skin, or for redness or bumps on their skin. Often the suspicion of a tick or flea problem can be confirmed by simply spotting one of the pesky creatures crawling on the skin. Other effects or fleas are wobbling in the hind legs, which may give way to paralysis, a change in their voice, or their bark. Dogs might vomit or lose their appetite due to a tick bite. Another more extreme symptom that might be caused by tick and flea bites is retching, coughing, and labored breathing. 

Before we share the secrets of how to remove ticks, let us discuss some simple precautions you can take to prevent the problem from arising. 

Preventing and Treating Fleas and Ticks For Dogs

Ticks and fleas can often find their way onto your dog from within your own home. Carpets and rugs can be breeding grounds for such creatures. It’s important to regularly vacuum such household objects. In addition to that, if your pet has his very own garden or backyard to play in, that too must be carefully maintained in a manner that is not conducive to the growth of ticks and fleas. This includes mowing the grass and making sure its height is not such that critters have ample room to hide and spread. Any shrubbery or large plants can be trimmed and made slightly less welcoming to pests. There are also flea sprays meant for gardens or yards. Applying this to the yard makes sure that any fleas or ticks which were there do not burrow their way into your fur baby. Similar sprays and powders are available for your homes. There are safe, non-toxic powders available that can be used on furniture to prevent any pests from breeding there. 

Another easy way to make sure ticks and fleas don’t bother your pet is to make it a habit to run a flea comb or brush through your dog's fur when they return home after a fun day of gallivanting outdoors. This is of particular importance for every furry breed. As adorable as your pet may seem with its long and fluffy coat, a slight trim and a little grooming may go a long way in helping them remain flea-free. 

In addition to these basic steps you can take without much hassle, there are also options such as flea collars and topical treatments. A quick consultation with your vet can help you to determine which of these would be most suitable for your dog and its specific needs. Be careful when using such treatments, and don’t accidentally use a treatment meant for cats on your pooch. Just as both these pets are extremely different in temperament, they are as different in the products they require for their care.

Remedies for Ticks and Fleas in Dogs

If your dog does somehow contract fleas or ticks, there isn’t a need for panic and frenzy. There are easy-to-administer treatments if such a situation occurs. This, however, is not enough. You must spend a little more time removing whichever ticks and fleas you can spot on their coats. Using a tick removal comb or tweezers, try to spot the pests in areas where they are most prone to burrowing in. Ticks are most often found on the feet, under the legs, near the eyes, in the ears, and near your dog's nether regions or privates. This might seem tedious, but it’s a labor of love that will save your dog a lot of discomfort in the future. For fleas, in particular, check-in areas where their fur is sparse. Carefully run your hands over your dog's coat and try to sense any bumps or irritated skin underlying the fur. 

If you’re a parent to multiple dogs, it’s important to carry out this procedure on all of them at the same time. This will greatly reduce the chances of a cross infestation, and save your other pets from getting affected by the bad luck of the poor pooch that caught these critters first. 

In addition to treating all the dogs together, you must also put in some additional effort to ensure that these ticks and fleas haven’t made their way onto furniture in your dog's environment. This is a vital step because while your dog's coat may be cleaned and made free of fleas if they made their way into your home, all your effort will go in vain and your pet will quickly contract the same problem again. Your dog's bedding should be washed or disposed of, and sofas and carpets should be vacuumed. 

If the infestation cannot be eradicated by these measures, then the next step one can take is to use a fogger. This is essentially a machine that will allow you to cover all surfaces in a pesticide. If this is being done, you must ensure that your dog and all family members avoid the treated area for a given number of hours. This should be specified in the directions for use. 

The very last resort is calling an exterminator. If all else fails, the help of a professional can always be relied upon. While such measures might seem elaborate, the joy of having a safe and healthy pet makes it all worth it! 

Along with using all the other remedies also keep in mind to keep your dog’s hygiene in check. Check out our blog on how to properly bathe your dog so it feels clean and fluffy pup.