Be Prepared for Flea and Tick Season

Fleas are a common problem for dog owners during the warmer months. The problem starts in late spring, continues through summer and is often at its worst in September and October. Fleas thrive in temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees and in conditions of high humidity. Fleas live both on your dog and in your environment. Pre-adult fleas live in your home and yard and represent over 90% of the flea population. This immature form is more resistant to treatment than the adult flea.

Some dogs may be heavily infested with fleas but will show no signs of them, while a flea-allergic dog may scratch continuously from the bite of a single flea. Many animals will scratch and bite themselves causing irritation of the skin, open sores and even fur loss. The best place to look for fleas on your dog is over the back by the tail base and on the abdomen between the hind legs where there is less fur. Frequent use of a flea comb will show any “flea dirt” present on your pet.

Ticks, like fleas, are a concern for every dog owner during the summer. The bite of a tick is irritating and may cause an allergic reaction. Ticks can carry and transmit diseases such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Ticks are parasites that must attach to a dog or human being in order to survive and mature. They are found outside in areas of low brush and shrubs. Although susceptible to the drying effects of heat and sunlight, ticks can hibernate and survive through winter.

The best way to check for ticks is to brush your dog daily. They are commonly found in the ear canals, at the base of the ears and on the feet, and in between the toes. Ticks can be removed from your dog by grasping the head of the tick where it attaches to the skin with tweezers and gently pulling back. A tick must be attached to your dog for anywhere from five to twenty hours to transmit any of these diseases. Therefore, the best prevention is to comb through your dog’s coat daily and remove any ticks.