There are many products that can help in the fight. Some protect against fleas or only ticks. Others offer protection against both. Some, in addition to fleas and ticks, add protection against other parasites such as lice or mosquitoes. There are those that focus on the immediate destruction of parasites already on your pet, but do not offer long-term protection. Determining what is best for your pet comes down to the needs of your pet and your particular environment.
Your veterinarian will make a recommendation based on a number of factors: where you live, the health of your dog and other pets and children in the household. This may sound complicated, but it comes down to two actions: killing fleas and ticks on the pet right now and preventing fleas and ticks from attacking in the future.
Kill fleas right now
If your pet has fleas right now, you can get medicated shampoos and sprays or pills for fast killing that work within hours. Then proceed to prevention.
Kill ticks right now
If your pet has ticks, remove the pincers. If you see it, check for other ticks that are crawling around or attached somewhere else to your pet. Check the area of the pet’s head and neck very carefully as it seems to be a common place for tick bites.
Keep them from coming back – prevention
The second part of the fight against fleas and ticks is to curb their return. This medicine is called prevention. One popular preventative approach is a topical medication that you apply directly to your pet’s skin once a month. Read the label. Not all topical preparations are created equally. One product sold in stores, for example, works for dogs but is harmful to cats. You need to know the difference to know what products you need for your pet and how to apply the product. One extends protection by applying oil to pet fur. To apply, pull the fur and apply the product directly to the skin, starting with a spot on the neck and then one or two other spots down the back. Apply liquid to stains where your pet is unlikely to lick it. In a couple of days, the medication will spread and your pet will be protected throughout the body.
The best time to use topical medications is at night, just before your pet goes to bed and the kids go to bed. At this time, it will take several hours for the fluid to start working before your pet rolls around or the kids start playing with them. It is also helpful not to wash your pet for a couple of days before or after medication, to keep the oils in the fur.
Other topical treatments are applied to the skin but are absorbed directly into your pet’s bloodstream. If you choose this method, you only need to apply the liquid in one place, top of the shoulders or the back of the neck. Wash your hands and do not touch the wet area after using any topical agents.
Protective collars are another way to keep fleas and ticks away from your pet. You should change your protective collars about every three months.
Sprays may be another choice. Read the instructions on the bottle or jar.
Talk to your vet
Your vet will set up a flea and tick prevention program that is best for your pet and your family where you live. Enjoy the season with healthy pets without parasites!