Fleas and ticks are the external parasites that will most often affect dogs. Not only do they cause discomfort with their presence, but they can transmit a large number of diseases, some of them very dangerous.
In addition, fleas and ticks can also bite people and spread diseases. So it is very important that we keep our buts free from this type of parasite. Let’s see how to prevent them.
Index of contents
- 1 What are fleas?
- 2 What are ticks?
- 3 How do fleas and ticks contract dogs?
- 4 How to prevent fleas and ticks?
- 5 Tips to avoid fleas and ticks
What are fleas?
The fleas they are blood-sucking insects, that is, they feed on blood. The adult phases are observed on the body of the dog. They measure a few millimeters and are brown or black. Its hind legs are highly developed for jumping. Females will lay eggs on the ground. In the environment it will be where the larvae hatch and grow.
So it is correct to say that for every flea that we find in the dog there will be more than ninety growing in the environment. We will not always observe fleas. Other times what we detect is a kind of black grit that corresponds to the excrement of fleas. If we wet it, we will verify that it is digested blood.
In addition to itching, some dogs suffer what is called flea bite allergy dermatitis or DAPP. It is due to a hypersensitivity reaction to the saliva of these parasites. Fleas are responsible for transmitting other parasites, such as tapeworms, and causing diseases such as bartonellosis. They can bite other animals, including humans.
What are ticks?
These parasites they are also blood-sucking. They usually live in wooded or livestock areas. They remain crouched until they feel the closeness of a warm-blooded animal. When they get on somebody, they put their head into the skin to start feeding on blood. This causes them to increase in size.
Thus, we can see them as peas or even as beans. In addition, during their feeding they can transmit diseases to the dog. Many of them are serious and life-threatening, such as babesia or tick paralysis. These parasites usually feed on a single animal.
For this reason, those that attack our dog rarely bite us. But people can get ticks if they move through infested areas. Other warm-blooded animals too.
How do fleas and ticks contract dogs?
In general, dogs go for walks regularly. On the street of any city, on a farm or in a forest, fleas and ticks can get on the dog. But, in addition, only contact with other dogs is also a form of transmission.
Although our dog has a farm that does not leave, we can transport fleas ourselves They can be carried by a cat that passes by our house, etc. That is why deworming is essential.
How to prevent fleas and ticks?
For sale we will find different products that will allow us to protect our dog. It is impossible to completely eliminate parasites from the environment, but we can minimize the possibility that fleas or ticks will bite. Dewormers must be used according to veterinary prescription. We highlight the following:
- Pipettes: In this case, the antiparasitic product is applied in a single dose on one or two points along the dog’s spine. The active ingredient is distributed throughout the body, protecting the dog from external parasites. Some also act against the development of eggs. They are applied every 4-6 weeks.
- Necklaces: they are put on like any other necklace, with the difference that they contain active substances against parasites. These are spread throughout the body and maintain protection for 3-8 months.
- Sprays: They are more used in puppies or small dogs, since they have to be sprayed all over the body. They must come into contact with the skin. Protection is usually about four weeks.
- Pills: Although pills against internal parasites are more widespread, the truth is that some also act against external ones. They even manage to maintain protection for up to twelve weeks. There are also pills to remove fleas in a matter of hours in severe infestations. Its protection only lasts about 24 hours.
- Shampoos: we can bathe our dog with some insecticidal shampoo, which will eliminate the parasites that it has at that moment on its body. The problem is that, in general, they offer only a few days of protection.
- Repellents: We must always acquire dewormers on the advice of the vet. It is common to find in any supermarket products that are advertised against parasites. If you look, they are just repellent. They do not avoid the presence of insects for more than a few days and their effectiveness is doubtful.
Tips to avoid fleas and ticks
The main thing is that, together with the vet, Let’s establish the most suitable deworming schedule for the characteristics and living conditions of our dog. We must deworm throughout the year, always maintaining the pattern of repetitions indicated by the manufacturer. In addition, we highlight other measures:
- If we have detected even a flea on our dog, we must disinfect the environment.
- We have to deworm all the animals that live. Better with a product that also has an effect against immature forms.
- Regularly we can run a metal and barbed comb together all over the dog’s coat to look for and remove fleas. No dewormer is going to be 100% effective.
- Examine the dog, especially after walks through bush areas. If we detect a tick and remove it immediately, we prevent it from transmitting disease.
- Vacuum the house frequently.
- Wash the dog’s beds in the washing machine.
- If we have a garden where the dog spends time, the grass must be well cut.