How Do You Remove Ticks and Fleas from Dogs?

Summers are fun for all with a host of outdoor activities to do with your little doggo but be careful, as this is also a season of fleas and ticks. Responsible dog owners know that their companion’s soft and warm fur is the best place for ticks and fleas to reside and nothing annoys a pet more than these pesky pests. They feed on your pet’s blood and once they reside on the body of your soft furry friend, it becomes really difficult to get rid of them. Although the flea and tick remover process is really tiring, it is a necessity because if they aren’t removed effectively, they can cause health problems ranging from allergic reactions to serious tick-borne illnesses. 

Both fleas and ticks are more common during the warmer months, but you can take steps to keep them off at any time of the year. Let’s just understand more about these little troubles. 

What are ticks and fleas?

Ticks and fleas are two different types of parasites that commonly attack dogs and cats. Not only do they dwell on their bodies but also bite and suck blood. Ticks and fleas are even carriers of many diseases like Lyme disease, tick-borne relapsing fever, tick-borne encephalitis, etc.

But the good news is, that preventing and treating ticks and fleas for dogs has become very convenient now, and other easy preventative measures can also reduce the chance of a re-infestation.

Before diving into preventive ways, it is important to know how your pet gets them. There are many ways by which your dog can get these parasites to host onto their bodies and some of them are listed below:

• Other animals: One of the most common ways your dog will pick up fleas is from the environment following contact with other animals, be it pets or wildlife. Dogs are friendly creatures, and fleas can even jump from the pup they met in the park onto your dog or even from other household pets like cats.
• Warmer Climate: In warmer regions, fleas are a particular risk because they can survive for longer periods in the open environment without a host, waiting to jump on your dog.
• Pet facilities: Indoor areas where other dogs frequently visit may pose a risk of fleas for your pet. Dog day-care, veterinary practices, grooming facilities, and boarding kennels are not always free from fleas. 

Despite strict rules requiring dogs to be flea free in these facilities, treatment varies from dog owner to dog owner, so fleas can easily find their way in.

While prevention is the best protection method against these parasites, it’s very important to be able to identify the signs and symptoms of fleas and ticks so you can help your pet if required.

Signs that your dog has ticks and fleas

During the initial stages, it might not be so obvious to spot these pests but below are some signs you should be looking out for throughout the year:

• Excess of itchiness and scratching near head and ears 
• Red spots on your dog’s skin can be from tick or flea bites
• Signs of flea dirt (a black-brown powdery substance in the fur)
• Spotting a tick anywhere in your home
• Bumps or inflammations

Additional Tip: Most ticks are usually visible to the naked eye but due to their small size, they are not noticed until they swell with blood. These parasites rarely cause obvious discomfort, so it is a good idea to check your pet regularly if you live in an area where ticks are prevalent, especially if your pet plays a lot of time outside.

The Flea and tick remover process can be tiresome but learning how to remove ticks from dogs is very easy and can be useful in giving your pet first aid. 

Follow the steps below to  remove them effectively:

1. Carefully part your pet’s hair with your fingers so the tick is clearly visible.
2. Set the tweezers as close to the skin as possible where the tick has bitten.
3. Do not twist or jerk the tick.
4. Pull the tick upwards and slowly add pressure until the tick releases its hold.
5. Clean the bitten area and your hands thoroughly with rubbing alcohol or a pet-safe cleaning agent.
6. Kill the tick and dump it where your pet cannot eat it.

How to prevent your dog from ticks and fleas?

Preventing and treating fleas and ticks for Dogs is best managed with one of the many vet-approved fleas and ticks remover products available like Clearkill- Dog and Cat Fleas and Ticks Spray, Clearkill F97 Spot On for Dogs, etc. But once you get rid of these pests, it does not guarantee that they will not reappear. So,  

1. Groom your pet regularly 
2. Do not use old preventive products
3. Do regular tick checks
4. Clean-up your yard
5. Treat for fleas and ticks year-round

A dog is your best friend and can be a wonderful addition to any home, but whether you’re an experienced pet parent or a first-time adopter, it is important to keep your fellow’s health and happiness a top priority.