Fleas and Ticks are every dog parent's greatest nightmare. Getting rid of them takes time, money, and effort, and it can also be highly deadly for your dog! Hence, it is best to understand fleas and ticks' lifespan, growth, and development before we jump into getting rid of them!
What are fleas and ticks?
Fleas are parasites that feed on blood, are more prevalent, and breed faster in warmer climates. However, they can survive in heated homes, even during winter. These pests are tiny, with adult fleas smaller than a grain of rice, measuring about. The size of these insects ranges from about 3 millimeters to 4 millimeters. They have a flat body with no wings. They are potent jumpers and can jump up to 13 inches! They can jump through screened windows and doors onto humans and pets!
Remember that because fleas have a longer life cycle in the winter than in the summer, it is more challenging to get rid of them. Fleas can survive for up to a year in ideal circumstances. They have a week or more of survival potential even when wholly starved.
Are ticks and fleas the same?
Though ticks frequently prefer to go to warm, dark, damp regions on the body, ticks are typically larger than fleas. Since disease transmission takes several hours (often up to 36 hours) after a tick attaches to the skin, the sooner a tick is found and removed, the lower the likelihood that medical problems would arise!
Why is tick and flea prevention important for dogs?
Fleas and Ticks not only feed on your dog's blood but also are capable of transmitting life-threatening diseases such as plague, Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, bartonellosis, and others, and put your and your canine's health at risk!
Prevention of fleas and ticks on dogs
Avoiding fleas and ticks is considerably safer and more accessible than dealing with potential problems once your dog has become affected. While many products are available today to prevent fleas and ticks, only some can guarantee 100% success in avoiding these pest infestations. Therefore, it is best advised to have regular body checks and keep the surroundings clean and hygienic. Consult a vet to determine the best solutions based on your pet's lifestyle, preventative medications, topicals, and collars. (Book a consultation at Discovervet immediately if you see any signs of fleas and tick infestation.)
Flea and tick preventative pills for dogs include:
Isooxazoline ingredient products:
Bravecto, NexGard, Credelio, and Simparica Trio
Once the parasites bite your dog, the active ingredient in these treatments destroys the fleas and ticks by assaulting their nervous system. Although there is a minimal risk of seizures, which appears only to affect dogs with a propensity for seizure behavior (such as epileptic dogs), these are safe, effective products.
Spinosad ingredient products:
Comfortis and Trifexis - (Vivaldis Endewor sabsitute)
Only fleas are affected by these products' effectiveness, not ticks. A pesticide that targets fleas' nervous systems makes up the majority of the ingredients in these products. These products represent little toxicity risk and have a wide safety margin.
Lufenuron ingredient products:
Sentinel - (NYGaurd IGR sabsitute)
While not killing adult fleas, this insect growth regulator (IGR) prevents flea eggs from hatching. It is a rational choice for getting rid of the infection. Sentinel has a wide safety margin with few toxicity problems. However, it is ineffective against ticks.
(Please Note: all these products are used monthly, except for Bravecto, which is dosed every 12 weeks.) We advise you to consult a veterinarian on DiscoverVet before administering these pills.
What to consider for prevention of fleas and ticks
Regular monthly preventative medicine that protects your pet from the inside out is necessary to keep your dog and home flea-free. Dr. Howe recommends constantly using heartworm, flea, and tick medications to prevent these parasites from hurting your pet. Administering a flea and tick preventative to your pet every month is essential. It is simpler than trying to get rid of fleas once they have infested your home.
Flea and tick prevention for your dog; they can provide a recommendation that fits your requirements. Most veterinarians advise keeping your dog on a flea and tick preventative throughout the year to protect them, especially if they are Fleas tend to be more prevalent during warmer seasons and in humid locations. For the best advice, please consult with your veterinarian.
Topical flea and tick preventatives include:
Frontline
Revolution/ Vi Forte
Advantix/ Vi Forte Spot On
Advantage Plus/ Advantix II
As per recent studies, these products are now less effective. However, it is best advised to consult a vet to make an informed choice for your pet.
How to eradicate fleas and ticks at home
Even though an effective flea treatment for your pet can eventually eliminate the fleas in your house, you'll need to put in some extra effort to achieve it quickly.
Here are some steps you can take:
Vacuum: This is one of the best methods for eliminating fleas from your home, and it is not just applicable to carpets. A thorough vacuuming would also benefit wood floors, tile, and furniture.
Wash linens: Your pet's bedding and any other machine-washable items they come into contact with should be washed and dried as soon as possible, ideally with hot water and a hot setting on the dryer.
Use the home and yard treatments: The most excellent option may be flea-killing foggers and sprays if you're having trouble with an infestation. Always deploy them safely per the package's instructions and look for safety measures.
Don't hesitate to get in touch with an exterminator/vet to explore pet-friendly solutions for flea-bombing the home environment if your dog continues to experience repeated flea/tick infestations or if your home has a severe infestation of fleas or ticks.
How to remove ticks on dogs?
Once a tick has been found, use small tweezers to grasp it at its base where it has burrowed into the skin and draw it up by applying steady, firm upward pressure. Place the tick in a container or plastic bag after removing the tick's mouth from the skin, then call your veterinarian. After removal, swab the damaged region of your dog's skin with alcohol or antiseptic.
How to remove fleas on dogs?
Using a flea comb is the most straightforward approach to locating fleas on your dog. Flea infestation is confirmed if you see flea eggs or droppings when combing the fur. Fleas are typically harder to eliminate because they are smaller and more numerous than ticks. Even if you bathe your dog to get rid of the adult fleas, the eggs will eventually hatch, or other fleas in the house will jump back onto your dog and spread another infestation.
To ensure no more problems, medicated baths, flea treatments, and flea/tick preventatives are required.
How to use a flea comb?
A flea comb is the most straightforward approach to locating fleas on your dog. Fleas are typically harder to eliminate because they are smaller and more numerous than ticks. Flea infestation is confirmed if you see flea eggs or droppings when combing the fur. Even if you bathe your dog to get rid of the adult fleas, the eggs will eventually hatch, or other fleas in the house will jump back onto your dog and spread another infestation.
To ensure no more problems, medicated baths, flea treatments, and flea/tick preventatives are required.
To get rid of fleas, flea debris, and dead hair, gently and slowly stroke the comb in the direction of the growth of the fur. To remove all fleas, fur, and other debris, repeatedly push down on the comb's teeth before dropping them into the soap and water solution. The comb can also be washed in soapy water. Work towards the rear and tail by starting with your pet's head, neck, and shoulders. Continue down your pet's back, chest, sides, and tummy. Finish by applying the legs, paws, and tail of your pet.
If your puppy is too young to use flea treatments or medications (around six months), use Capstar according to the following guidelines:
Use a metal flea comb with fine teeth to remove adult fleas on your pet. The fleas should then be placed in a bowl of soapy water, where they will drown and die, allowing you to dispose of them safely.
Bathe your pet frequently to help prevent flea breakouts, but avoid flea-specific shampoos because they might be too potent for puppies.
Medications for fleas and ticks
Currently, no drugs can kill ticks when they come into contact with skin, although some medications can kill adult fleas and flea larvae on dogs. In particular, Capstar and Advantus eliminate dog fleas, but only temporarily. The flea must adhere to the skin for the treatment to work. When there is a significant infestation, and the fleas need to be eliminated immediately, your veterinarian will frequently suggest this as the first line of treatment.
If you don't have dog shampoo at home, your veterinarian's team may frequently advise washing your dog with unscented Dawn dish soap after this therapy. Then, the fur will be thoroughly combed to eliminate all dead fleas, larvae, and other pests.
Since these treatments don't last very long, they must be followed by a prescription flea and tick prevention medication. Additionally, the house must be treated to stop fleas from returning to your dog and creating the same problem.
