With the warm weather, pets and their families often spend more time outdoors. Unfortunately, warm weather is also the prime season for ticks and fleas, two of the most prevalent pests for dogs. Both of these insects can carry significant diseases, making prevention a priority for pet owners. They also thrive in warm, humid weather, which means Georgia pets are at risk from early spring through late fall.

Thankfully, medication and avoidance of flea and tick habitats are both effective ways to prevent your pup from being injured by these parasites. Despite the similarities, fleas and ticks require different treatment and prevention solutions. Check out our tips and keep your pup safe this season!

Ticks: Risk and Prevention

Ticks are a well-known carrier for many canine (and human) diseases. Fortunately, you can prevent most tick bites by removing their prime habitat as often as possible. Since they enjoy tall grasses and brush, keeping your yard well-maintained and mown is an effective technique to reduce their prevalence around your property. Mow your grass regularly, removing any tall grass or brush on your property to reduce your exposure drastically.

Each variety of tick can carry different diseases. If your pet is bitten, it’s best to keep the tick in a container of isopropyl alcohol, just in case your dog does begin to show symptoms of illness. If you notice symptoms of infection, blood loss, or anemia, speak to your vet immediately so that the appropriate treatment can start.

Thoroughly check your dog for ticks after walks or outdoor play by running your hands over their body and inspecting any lumps of swellings you detect. Pay special attention to your dog’s face, between their toes, around the legs near the belly, and all over their ears. Remove any ticks carefully, then monitor the area for infection and inflammation over the next few days.

Fleas: Prevent and Protect

In most cases, a puppy in an attentive family is unlikely to suffer from a true infestation of fleas. The most common symptoms of fleas are fairly easy to spot, including excessive scratching, scabs or bald spots, and “flea dirt” in the dog’s fur. If you notice any one of these symptoms, carefully inspect your pup for additional signs of fleas. In many cases, you may only see signs of fleas rather than finding the fleas themselves. This is especially true if your dog has dark fur and skin, as the dark brown fleas blend into the surrounding area more easily.

If you discover fleas on your dog, contact your veterinarian immediately. Begin treatment for all of your pets, even if you have only discovered fleas on one pup. Thoroughly clean your home, especially soft furnishings like rugs and upholstery.  Your veterinarian may prescribe a topical or oral treatment and may also recommend a flea removal shampoo. It is extremely important to follow your veterinarian’s instructions when using flea treatments, as disregarding the directions can have serious ramifications.

If you find that the fleas return immediately after a treatment, stay strong! Flea troubles can be persistent and repeated treatments may be required to totally eradicate these persistent parasites.

Flea and Tick Prevention is Key

The best way to beat fleas and ticks is prevention. By keeping your grass mowed, sticking to designated paths during hikes, and consistently checking your dog for signs of ticks and fleas, you can prevent these pests from taking hold. Talk to your veterinarian about preventative medications and treatments. By focusing on your pup’s behavior and steering clear of tall grass and brush, you can significantly reduce your likelihood of dealing with a serious tick or flea problem with your pup!