Fleas, Mosquitoes and Ticks on Dogs. As a dog owner, you know that your pet can be prone to dog fleas, as well as other parasitic insects such as ticks and mosquitoes. Not only do these pests make your dog miserable, but they are also carriers of various diseases and prevention is in the best interest of both you and your dog. Most people don't worry about mosquitoes on dogs. However, mosquitoes are known to carry many blood borne diseases that they spread when feeding from their victim. The most concerning condition caused by mosquitoes on dogs are heartworms. These worms kill the dog by infecting the heart. This condition is very serious and treatment is not always successful. This is why dog owners are encouraged to put their dog on a heartworm preventative. Since mosquitoes feed at sunrise and sunset, avoid letting your pet outside during these prime feeding times. You want to make sure that you don't have standing water in old bowls, hubcaps or other containers that could potentially collect water. This creates a breeding ground for mosquitoes. In addition, you can look into a topical dog flea treatment contains a mosquito repellant for added protection.
How to get rid of fleas on dogs
Ticks on dogs are easily removed by plucking the pest from the dog's skin. This is not always the end of the story for dogs that have been bitten by a tick. Like humans, dogs can contract Lyme disease from the bite of a tick. If you live in an area where there is a high incidence of ticks on dogs, you should speak with your veterinarian about vaccinating your pet against this ailment. Avoid taking your dog into heavily wooded areas during the summer months when the tick season is in full swing. This, in addition to a topical flea treatment that includes a tick preventative, will help minimize the risk of your dog contracting the disease. Dogs with Lyme disease become fatigued, lethargic and generally don't feel well. Although it can be treated with antibiotics, it often takes a long time for your pet to return to normal.
Most pet owners have dealt with fleas on dogs at some point or another. Not only do these little pests make your pets miserable, but they might feed on you as well. Because of the life cycle of the flea, they are one of the most difficult parasites to deal with. If your dog is allergic to fleas, this sets in motion a host of other health issues for your dog. His incessant scratching and chewing will often lead to "hot spots" or open sores. The best way to treat fleas on dogs is to implement a solid preventative program. If the infestation is severe, you might want to start with commercial products to kill the fleas, their eggs and larvae. Once you have established a foothold, you can then move to less severe methods of prevention to kepp dog fleas at bay.
