Common canine parasites like fleas and ticks should not be ignored. The itching, scratching, and possible illness that can result from a dog’s infestation with fleas and ticks is well-documented. It’s not fun for anyone involved, especially your pet. Ticks and fleas carry many unpleasant diseases if they go undetected.
Among more than 1,470 dogs and cats examined in the UK, 323 were found to have fleas, representing more than 20%. So, where exactly does a dog pick up these parasites? What are the unusual symptoms of a tick infestation on your dog? We’ve got the details on how to avoid getting these pests in the first place and why it’s so crucial to act quickly once you detect them.
These Are The Symptoms Of A Tick Or Flea Infestation On Your Dog
Fleas and ticks are tiny, energetic pests that may leap great distances or burrow deeply into your dog’s fur, making them difficult to notice if you don’t look for them. These are common but not harmless.
Mostly a vet will prescribe a Credelio chewable tablet for dogs to get rid of the ticks. Credelio is a tiny, yummy chewable that can be given to dogs and puppies as young as 8 weeks old and as heavy as 4.4 pounds. Credelio is safe for your dog, effective against ticks and fleas, and lasts for a full month.
The following are five symptoms that your dog may be unknowingly harboring one of these parasites:
A skin problem has your dog biting, chewing, and scratching at himself. When this happens, your dog will start to itch because the protein in the flea’s saliva has triggered an allergic reaction.
You will also notice that your dog’s hair is getting thin, especially at the base of the tail and around the neck. Fleas often congregate in these areas. Loss of hair may result from your dog scratching to alleviate the itch.
You might also notice very small red-colored bumps that appear on your dog’s skin. Fleas can be hard to spot because they fly off the hosts after feeding. Your dog may experience discomfort and even dermatitis from their bites. Little black dots appear on your dog’s fur or bedding. Flea dirt consists of both flea feces and blood meal.
Your dog has a temperature, is listless, and won’t eat. Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease are two of the most unpleasant diseases spread by ticks. Fleas are known to spread tapeworms and cause anemia in humans.
How Risky Is It If Your Dog Has Fleas Or Ticks?
While neither parasite is welcome, ticks pose a much greater threat than fleas do. Fleas are known to transmit anemia, Lyme disease, and tapeworms. Furthermore, their leftover saliva can trigger dermatitis in your dog. Please take your dog to the vet if you notice any fleas.
Such parasites can quickly infest a home due to their rapid reproduction rate. Your vet can provide advice on how to treat your dog and how to eliminate fleas and their eggs from your home as a whole. If your dog frequents wooded or grassy areas, you should check him for ticks frequently.
Top Flea and Tick Prevention Strategies For Your Dog
There is no surefire way to protect your dog from fleas and ticks, but you can lessen his vulnerability by doing the following.
Be sure to maintain a neat lawn. Ticks and fleas prefer to make their homes in wood piles, shrubbery, and long grass. They are equally comfortable in damp surroundings. Keep an eye out for parasites in your dog on a consistent basis.
Always make sure to clean the nooks and crannies of your home. Never forget that in just 60 days, a single flea can produce an additional 20,000 of its offspring. If you are concerned that your dog has become ill as a result, please make an appointment with your veterinarian right away.
Follow your vet’s advice and treat your dog for fleas and ticks all year long. Preventative care should be routine. Your veterinarian can check for any hidden symptoms of disease and monitor the efficacy of your dog’s prevention program.
It’s also worth noting that fleas and ticks are “equal-opportunity parasites,” meaning that they will bite any mammal they come across, including humans. Flea and tick infestations can be treated, and the pests can be removed with relative ease.
Being attentive and careful is essential. Common symptoms include red bumps, hair loss, and an increase in scratching. By taking the necessary measures and keeping a close eye on your pet for any symptoms, you can prevent your entire family from having to deal with the discomfort and illnesses that these parasites cause.