How to Protect Dogs from Fleas and Ticks: Follow These Easy Tips

Follow These Tips for Flea and Tick Prevention 

Dogs and their owners are naturally invited to spend time outside in the spring and summer. Unfortunately, the warm weather is also welcoming to fleas and ticks. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best flea and tick prevention tips for dogs. From the basics of keeping a clean house and yard to regularly bathing your dogs and scheduling routine checkups with your local veterinarian, we’ve got you covered.

Stay Up to Date on Yearly Flea and Tick Prevention Treatment

Staying up to date on yearly flea and tick prevention treatments from your veterinarian is highly recommended. Not only can fleas and ticks cause serious health problems for your fur baby, but they can also adversely affect humans. One bite can transmit diseases like Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Your vet will recommend the best flea and tick prevention treatment types based on the lifestyle, age, and health needs of your dog.

Keep Your House and Yard Clean 

Protect your dog from fleas and ticks by keeping your yard and house clean. Ticks thrive in tall grass. Mowing the lawn often, raking leaves, and keeping debris picked up will remove the environment that fleas and ticks use to populate. Fleas are tough creatures; their eggs can remain dormant in your home during the winter months. When the flea eggs hatch, they multiply like crazy—like at a rate of 100 per day—kind of crazy. A flea infestation in your home can happen very quickly, and routine house cleaning can prevent it.

Bathe Your Dog or Take Them to a Groomer 

Nobody wants to cuddle up with a flea-infested pooch. Keeping your pup clean is just as important as keeping your house and yard clean for natural flea and tick prevention. While dogs do clean themselves, giving them a bath or taking them to a groomer is a very effective and natural tick and flea prevention tip for dogs. You don’t have to do it every day, but it’s a good idea to do it regularly. 

Check Your Dog for Ticks 

When returning from a romp around the lake at the James A. Reed Wildlife Area, the Rock Island Trail, or any trail, it’s important to inspect your pup everywhere for ticks and fleas. Be careful not to miss checking their ears, underbelly, and legs. This is the prime season for flea and tick prevention for dogs, so be on your guard. After 24 hours, an attached tick can transmit diseases to your pet, so the sooner it’s removed, the better. 

Take Your Dog for Routine Checkups at Your Local Veterinarian

During a wellness checkup with your veterinarian, the effectiveness of your current flea and tick prevention program will be evaluated. If your pooch is presenting symptoms of fleas and ticks, like scratching or biting, your treatments will be adjusted accordingly. This is the perfect time to ask your veterinarian any questions you may have about flea and tick prevention methods that can be tailored to the needs of your dog.

Have Questions? Feel Free to Reach Out to the Trusted Team at Chipman Road Animal Clinic!