Dog Fleas and Ticks
Fleas and ticks are a common occurrence, especially in the spring, summer and fall months. Our location makes us more susceptible to ticks.
How can I tell if my dog has fleas or ticks?
Ticks attach to the outer skin and are visible to the naked eye. They often attach to the face and neck. They range between 1 and 15 mm in size when engorged. Fleas are also visible but move extremely quickly. The flea dirt is what you mainly see on the dogs, which look like black specks throughout the base of the fur.
How can I prevent fleas and ticks on my dog?
You can prevent fleas and ticks by using a large range of products. Examples of topical products are Advantix, and the oral dog products are Bravecto and Nexgard Spectra.
What are the treatment options for dogs who have ticks?
For dogs with ticks, the first thing we do is remove the tick with a tick twister to ensure a lot of the tick is extracted from the skin. Alcohol is then placed on the site. 4-8 weeks later, a Lyme antibody blood test is recommended along with a discussion with the doctor. Applying topical or oral tick prevention products will also cause tick death, where they will detach on their own.