Ticks and Fleas – How to protect your dog in 2020

Trina

Pet parents have to go through a lot when it comes to treating their dogs that have been infected with ticks and fleas. They can cause pet health issues like anemia, swollen joints, loss of appetite, hair loss, and fever and make dogs restless with constant itching. Infections like Ehrlichiosis may also occur. As they say, prevention is better than cure and by following a few simple steps, it is possible to keep tick and flea infections at bay:

1. Choose the right product

While using medication for your dog, make sure that the formulation for the medicines is meant specifically for canine animals. Try not to use medicine meant for cats or cows on your dogs just because the labels show that they are effective for ticks and fleas of all kinds. The medication works differently for different species of animals and it is crucial to use the correct type meant for dogs.

2. Conduct Round the Year Check-ups

It is important to check for ticks and fleas not just in the summer months, when ticks are apparently the most active, but round the year. This is especially true for breeds of dogs with longer and heavier fur like Golden Retrievers, Huskies, and Irish Setters.

Ticks on dogs that have undercoats like Chow, German Shepherd, Pomeranian, and the Samoyeds are often harder to detect because while the topcoats appear clean, the ticks might be embedded deep within.

Timely check-ups conducted round the year prevent ticks from breeding and multiplying and can be easily removed before much harm is done. Keep your home and surroundings clean and make sure to brush the fur each time the dog steps inside after enjoying a jolly roll in the grass!

3. Keep an eye out for Behavioral Changes

Dogs that have been infested with ticks and fleas and feel sick and irritated often show behavioral changes. They might be depressed, or become too agitated. They might show an aversion to their regular diet or refuse to go out for walks due to exhaustion.

Keeping a watch out for these symptoms will help you detect early signs of tick infestation. Regular grooming is a good idea to make sure that the fur stays clean as unwashed and matted fur becomes a haven for fleas and ticks in no time.

4. No usage of Expired Products

Old medicines, which are past their expiry date, are ineffectual in treating ticks and fleas. This is even more important for puppies as they are likely to be more sensitive. Consult your vet regarding the products which are currently available in the market.

Follow additional instructions regarding the dosage and the correct method of administering the medicine. If you want to try out any new medication or products for the treatment, consult your vet, and make sure your dog undergoes a check-up as well.

The year 2020 could prove to be difficult for dogs as well, as much as it is for their parents. They will miss their walks due to the Covid-19 virus and a tick infestation is not something they need right now. A good prevention and treatment plan like Nexgard Spectra would be in their best interest this year. You can find all information about it on https://it.nexgardspectra.com

Photo by Sebastian Coman Travel from Pexels

 

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