As pet owners, we always prioritize our pets' health and comfort. One of the most common worries, especially during the warmer months, is the presence of fleas and ticks. These microscopic parasites can cause severe discomfort and health problems in your dogs. At Onalaska Animal Hospital, we understand how important it is to keep your pets free of fleas and ticks. This comprehensive guide will help you properly check for and securely eliminate fleas and ticks.
Check your pets for fleas and ticks on a regular basis, especially after they have spent time outside. Begin by providing a peaceful environment for your pet. Sit with them in a well-lit place and use a fine-toothed flea comb to gently separate their fur. Pay close attention to places where fleas and ticks are most likely to hide, such as the neck, behind the ears, under the collar, down the back, and around the tail. The abdomen and groin are also popular concealing sites. If your pet's fur is long, separate it with your hands and examine the skin carefully.
Fleas are little, dark brown insects that move swiftly and are typically more visible when they jump. Ticks, on the other hand, are typically brown or black in color and can range in size from a pinhead to a small pea when engorged with blood. If you find little black spots on your pet's skin, they could be flea dirt, or flea feces. To confirm, lay the particles on a damp paper towel. If they turn reddish-brown, that's flea dirt.
Once you've detected fleas or ticks on your pet, you must remove them carefully. To treat fleas, first give your pet a bath using flea shampoo. The warm water and soap will help to smother the fleas, making them easier to eliminate. After the bath, use a flea comb to remove any leftover fleas, immersing it in a solution of water and dish soap to kill them on contact.
Ticks must be removed using a separate method. Take a pair of fine-tipped tweezers and grasp the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible. Pull up with steady, uniform pressure. Avoid twisting or jerking, which can cause the tick's mouthparts to break off and remain in the skin. If this happens, use tweezers to remove the mouth parts. After removing the tick, wipe the bitten area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water. Remove the tick by immersing it in alcohol, sealing it in a bag, wrapping it tightly with tape, or flushing it down the toilet. Never crush a tick between your fingers.
After you've removed the fleas and ticks, keep an eye out for signs of sickness in your pet. Fleas can cause anemia and allergic reactions, whereas ticks can spread dangerous infections including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. If your pet develops signs of lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, or lameness, contact your veterinarian right away.
Preventing fleas and ticks is also essential. Regular use of veterinarian-approved flea and tick preventatives can help keep these pests at bay. Vacuuming and washing your pet's bedding on a regular basis will help to keep your home and yard clean. Trim grass and bushes to minimize the parasites' habitats.
At Onalaska Animal Hospital, we want to help you keep your pets healthy and happy. Follow these methods to check for and properly remove fleas and ticks from your pets, protecting them from the discomfort and hazards that these pests cause.
If you are concerned about fleas or ticks on your pet or need assistance on prevention and treatment, please contact Onalaska Animal Hospital at (608) 668-6777 or visit us at 984 12th Avenue South, Onalaska, WI 54650. Our team is here to help you keep your dogs healthy and happy.
