Fleas and ticks are one of the most important things to watch out for in dogs. Flea and tick exposures in dogs can lead to intense itching to tremors and acute pain. Fleas and ticks can be found virtually anywhere – in your home, parks, household yards, on other pets, the woods, lakes, etc. Fleas and ticks embed themselves in your dog’s fur and suck blood from the skin. There are multiple ways to prevent flea and tick bites in dogs. Find out more below:
Why are Fleas and Ticks Dangerous to Dogs?
There are over 2,500 species of fleas and 850 species of ticks. They live in all types of environments and are sturdy. Fleas and ticks can inflict great pain on your dog from the result of their bites. Dogs can get agitated if they feel something moving around in their fur. Secondly, ticks can spread disease through their saliva when they bite dogs. Ticks can spread Lyme disease, bacteria, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and tularemia to both dogs and humans. Lyme disease is a common disease shared between dogs, humans, and other animals.
Signs of Lyme Disease:
- Mobility issues
- Fatigue
- Hyperthermia
- Lack of appetite
Fleas can carry disease and if a large number of fleas are present, it can result in significant blood loss. Dogs may exhibit the following symptoms when infested with fleas:
- Loss of appetite
- Irritation/agitation due to fleas moving along the skin
- Lethargy
- Pale gums
How to Prevent Fleas and Ticks from Attaching to Dogs
Here are some ways to prevent fleas and ticks from getting on your dog:
- Anti-flea and anti-tick medication from your vet
- Check your dog after being outside or playing with other dogs for fleas and ticks
- Keep your yard maintained
- Keep your dog’s toys, blankets, and other supplies clean by washing them in hot water
- Consult your vet
Call your vet and Pet Poison Helpline®, at (855) 764-7661, for any questions about fleas and ticks. They can also answer questions about flea and tick medications or symptoms. They are your best and most reliable resource when it comes to keeping your pet safe and healthy.