Summer is a great time for everyone to get out and enjoy the nice weather, and that includes dogs. Unfortunately, while the warmer months are the perfect time to spend hours outdoors, nature presents a whole host of issues for your four-legged friend, not the least of which is coming into contact with fleas and ticks. However, with the right precautions there are ways to treat and prevent these bothersome pests.
For active dogs that like to get out and explore the environment, coming into contact with fleas and ticks is not a matter of if, but when. Though it may seem like an exceptionally difficult task to prevent your dog from encountering ticks, especially when they can latch on to people just as easily, there are certain steps to take.
One of the most effective methods is to use products such as the Preventic Collar for Dogs. This useful device kills and detaches ticks and is 97 percent effective for up to three months. It works by using the antiparisitic drug amitraz which paralyzes ticks so that they are unable to attach in the first place.
Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests checking your dog for ticks on a daily basis as they can track them into the home and latch on to members of the family as well. Also, keeping a tick free environment in your yard (such as no excessively high grass) can be helpful as well.
Although tick prevention and treatment is a good first step, it is only half the battle. Fleas are also a serious threat to dogs who spend a substantial amount of time outdoors. Though they can be tough to spot, there are several telltale signs of fleas. For starters, you will want to look for severe itchiness, constant scratching and potentially hair loss.
To help keep your dog protected from the fleas, Frontline Plus may be your best bet. This monthly preventative also helps guard against ticks and works by unleashing a slow-acting insecticide that disrupts the central nervous system of fleas, keeping them off of your dog. If any fleas happen to be on your dog, they will be killed within 12 hours of applying the product.
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