Understanding Dog Fleas and Ticks with Vintage Heights Veterinary Hospital
How can my dog get fleas and ticks?
Fleas can be picked up by being exposed to another animal carrying them, such as a stray cat, a neighborhood dog, or a dog at the park. Ticks are often found in dense brush areas like campsites or bike trails and are opportunistic, seeking warm-blooded mammals as their food source.
What signs will my dog show if they have fleas?
If fleas are present, dogs often itch. You might flip your dog over and see pepper-like flakes on its tummy or around the tail area. You might also see little fleas running, which can be disturbing, but there are ways to get rid of them.
Can indoor dogs still get fleas and ticks?
Absolutely. Even indoor dogs have to go outside, which exposes them to fleas and ticks. These parasites can temporarily latch onto you and then transfer to your dog. They are blood-sucking parasites that thrive on warm-blooded mammals.
How do I get rid of fleas on my dog?
There are several methods available now. While flea baths and dips are outdated, effective treatments include flea collars like Seresto, topical medications like FE Pro Plus or Frontline, and oral medications that work against both fleas and ticks. These oral meds are generally safe, except for dogs with seizure issues, and are the easiest for owners to use.
What different types of flea and tick preventives are there, and should they be used year-round?
Flea baths and dips are mostly obsolete. Oral medications are effective and often include heartworm preventatives, offering an all-in-one solution. Flea collars like Seresto are also effective. For cats, medications like Bravecto or Credelio, which are topical or oral, can be very effective. These solutions are available to tackle flea or tick problems year-round.
How do I remove a tick from my dog?
Use tweezers or a hemostat to get close to where the tick attaches to the skin. Clamp onto it and pull upwards without squeezing the body to avoid exuding harmful substances into your dog. Follow up by cleaning the area with an antiseptic like rubbing alcohol.
How long can a tick be on my dog before it's dangerous?
The danger depends on what the tick is carrying. Some ticks carry parasites or diseases like Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Transmission times vary; for example, ehrlichiosis can be transmitted in hours, while Lyme disease may take up to 48 hours, depending on the tick species.
If you have questions, we would love to answer them for you. Please give us a call at the office at (402) 489-0501, or you can email us at staff@vhvet.com. Our staff would love to talk with you!
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