Dogs are fun. They’re joyful and energetic, quiet and loving, lazy and lounging, but they’re always fun. And they allow us to enjoy life more fully via long walks, outside play, or just relaxing in the backyard. Enjoying the great outdoors–or just a stroll in the park–with your pooch is one of the best parts of being a dog owner, but it does have one downside. Your dogs are exposed to fleas and ticks, which can lead to discomfort and health problems if left unchecked. Preventing and treating fleas and ticks is a must for the well-being of both you and your dog, so let’s take a look at how to prevent fleas and ticks from infesting your pets!
The first critical step is understanding why preventing fleas and ticks is important. Fleas and ticks can cause discomfort, and skin irritation, and create wounds that invite infection. Flea dirt–the refuse fleas leave behind–can cause irritation on its own, in addition to just being filthy. More serious than any of these, fleas and ticks can carry and transmit diseases including the following:
- Lyme disease
- Anaplasmosis
- Bartonellosis
- Rocky Mountain Spotted fever
- Tapeworms
- Babesiosis
These are all illnesses you want to avoid; many of them can cause lifelong health problems or worse. Preventing contact with these diseases for both you and your pets is a big motive for preventing fleas and ticks.
When it comes to preventing fleas and ticks, prevention is better than cure. There are a myriad of products on the market designed to prevent fleas and ticks in dogs, including flea and tick collars, flea and tick baths, and medical skin treatments. While you should always consult your veterinarian before selecting a flea and tick prevention product, many are available over the counter and safe to use at home. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding use in addition to talking to your vet. Many anti-flea-and-tick medications are specific to cats or dogs but not both and should be used appropriately.
The second form of prevention comes in keeping your outside spaces free of fleas and ticks as much as practically possible. You can’t control every aspect of life outside–nor should you try!–but there are some simple steps you can take to help reduce the number of fleas and ticks in the environment around your home. Keeping the grass trimmed, clearing away debris and refuse, and reducing the number of hiding spaces for rats, mice, and other vermin can go a long way toward preventing fleas and ticks.
A similar step in flea and tick prevention takes place inside the home. Keeping bedding, rugs, and carpets clean also helps prevent fleas from getting a foothold inside your home. This goes double for anything your pets sleep or lounge on, as those surfaces are most likely to become welcoming environments for ticks and fleas–don’t forget your upholstered furniture! Regular washing will suffice unless fleas and ticks have already taken up residence, at which point there are detergents made to help remove and prevent them.
Finally, regular baths and bathing are one of the strongest tools you have in preventing fleas and ticks. Keeping your dog’s coat clean and well-groomed is vital in many aspects of their health, but especially in preventing fleas and ticks. While it’s possible to bathe your pets at home, it can be messy, time-consuming, and a major source of frustration for both you and your four-legged friends. K9000 Self-Serve Dog Washing Machines make it easy to give your dog a bath while keeping you and your home clean and dry. With a variety of options at your fingertips, our machines make it easy to give your dog the bath that they need in a safe, affordable, and convenient way.
By learning how to prevent fleas and ticks from infesting your dog and your home, you’ll be ensuring that you and your pet are much cleaner and more comfortable. You’ll also be taking care of your pet’s health in a way that will improve their quality of life for years to come. By following these steps vigilantly, you’ll keep your pet healthy, happy, and free of fleas and ticks.
