Why Do Dogs Get Ticks and Fleas in the Summer?
Summer is here! It’s a great time to visit places such as beaches and parks with your fur babies. However, at the same time, it can be quite a nightmarish time because many dogs tend to suffer from mild to severe tick and fleas infestation. But why does it happen? How do dogs get ticks and fleas? Why do these pests attack during the hot season? More importantly, how do you manage it?
Ticks and Fleas During Summer
Ticks and fleas in the summer are very common. And that’s because the warm temperature boosts their growth and reproduction. In addition, people and their pets usually gather in crowded places during this time of the year. As a result, cross-contamination happens.
These external parasites are very different from each other. Ticks have four pairs of legs. They latched on the skin of your dogs to suck in blood. Fleas, on one hand, have six legs and they jump or crawl on the skin of the dog to find spots where they can feed.
Dogs who suffer from flea or tick infestation have rashes and other skin irritation. Others even end up getting infected by parasites such as tapeworms. These pests can also cause harm to pet owners like you. CDC explains that ticks can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease, Kyasanur Forest disease, and hemorrhagic fever.
However, it’s useful to note that even with the health risks posed by these pests, generally, you can manage them.
How to Get Rid of Ticks and Fleas on Dogs
The first step to the effective management of ticks and fleas is awareness and identification. Ticks can be very small, so they can be challenging to spot. The trick to finding them is to look for their poop. To do this, moisten a towel and apply on the fur of your dog. Then brush the fur with a fine-tooth comb or a pet brush. If black or red particles come off, then it means your dog has fleas.
Ticks, on the other hand, are large enough to find without the aid of any special tool or method. You can also run your hand over your pet’s coat. If you notice bumps, check if it’s a tick. If you find one, then most likely, you will find more around warm parts of his or her body.
After finding and identifying the infestation, your next step is eradication. Use anti-tick or flea shampoo until the pests are gone. You should also wash the beddings regularly. If your pet sleeps on your bed, be sure to wash your linens too. You should also sanitize other play areas to ensure that re-infestation doesn’t happen.
Take note that the life cycle of these pests can stretch out to a few months. So, it’s good practice to be extra vigilant. Repeat your anti-tick and flea routine until you are 100 percent sure that the infestation.
Sploot View: Ticks and Fleas in the Summer
Now that you know the answer to “how do dogs gt ticks and fleas?”, you can avoid and manage the situation properly. Make your summer season with your beloved fur baby is fun and free from pests. Use the tips above to save your pets from nasty blood-sucking insects.