As the weather begins to warm up, you may start worrying about ticks and fleas again. That’s because your dog is likelier to be outdoors and in areas where these pests are prevalent. While there’s no way to eliminate ticks and fleas from existence, there are some things you can do to protect your pet during these warm months. Here are some spring and summer tick and flea preventive measures for dogs.
Shampoos and wipes
According to My Family Vets, 1 in every 7 dogs has fleas. If you have an active flea and tick problem, using a shampoo or wipe specifically designed for these pests is best. These products are safe for puppies and dogs with sensitive skin, so you don’t need to worry about your dog getting irritated by their chemicals. You should also be aware that these shampoos are often effective at getting rid of ticks but not as effective at killing fleas in the long term.
Suppose you use a preventive measure like Frontline Plus or another topical solution on your pet’s skin every month throughout spring/summer when ticks are active outdoors. It should be enough protection against parasites without worrying about additional measures such as dips or sprays.
Flea collars and sprays
According to NCBI, the imidacloprid or flumethrin collar has been proven to reduce ticks by at least 90% and fleas by at least 95% for at least 7-8 months. Flea collars are an easy way to protect your dog from fleas. They’re also a great way to protect your dog from ticks, but they should be used with other preventives, such as flea sprays and topical treatments.
As long as you ensure that the collar you choose is safe for dog use, veterinarians generally consider it safe. However, some ingredients may irritate sensitive skin or cause allergic reactions in some dogs. So always check the ingredients before buying.
Tick repellents
Tick repellents are sprays that you can apply to your dog’s coat. They’re an excellent way to prevent ticks from attaching, so if you live in an area with lots of them, this might be something you should consider buying. You can buy them at your local pet store or online and even get advice about how much time should pass between applications.
Tick repellents aren’t harmful to dogs but have some side effects. Some dogs may experience irritation or mild irritation from using tick repellents on their skin, while others may be allergic. If your dog seems uncomfortable after applying the product as directed by its manufacturer, stop using it immediately and consult with your veterinarian if necessary.
Topical medications for dogs
Topical medications are a great way to prevent ticks and fleas. They’re easy to apply, effective, and safe for all ages of dogs. Some topical medications for dogs are made specifically for puppies or kittens.
These products often contain an insect growth regulator (IGR) that stops larvae from developing into full-fledged insects. The IGR also helps keep the adult fleas from reproducing if they do happen to bite your pet after it’s applied by killing them off before they can lay eggs or become adults themselves.
Other topical treatments for dogs have ingredients like permethrin, which kills ticks on contact as soon as they come into contact with a treated area on your pet’s skin.
You Don’t Have to Worry About Ticks or Fleas Ever Again
Ticks and fleas are a problem year-round, but spring and summer are the most common times for these pests to strike. The good news is that you never have to worry about ticks or fleas again. With Frontline Plus for dogs, you can give your dog the protection they need from these blood-sucking parasites without worrying about harmful chemicals or side effects.
In addition to preventing ticks and fleas from attacking your pet, this product also comes with a bonus, it will help keep them off of humans. It makes it ideal for households where dogs and humans share living spaces, as no one wants their family members bitten by nasty bugs while they try to enjoy themselves outside during warm weather.
Conclusion
Dogs are at risk for ticks and fleas during all seasons, but the risks are incredibly high in spring and summer. These parasites can cause dog diseases, including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Suppose your dog shows signs of illness, such as lethargy or lameness, after spending time outdoors. In that case, it’s essential to get them checked by their veterinarian immediately so that proper treatment can begin quickly.
