Blog How to Prepare Your Dog for Flea and Tick Season

How to Prepare Your Dog for Flea and Tick Season

Posted by Lora Shaw on June 7, 2023

preparing your dog for flea and tick season

As flea and tick season approaches, it is important to ensure that your pet is happy and healthy both during and after playing outside. Fleas and ticks are incredibly common and potentially harmful to your furry friend, so watching out for them and taking preventative measures is vital.

Considering the health risks that can arise from fleas and ticks, our team wants to make sure you are prepared. Learn more about fleas and ticks, as well as tips and tricks you can use from our helpful guide today!

What Are Fleas and Ticks?

Fleas are wingless insects that are known to feed on the blood of our furry companions. Most commonly found outside, these parasites can jump two feet in the air and can harm your dog if not properly addressed.

Ticks are also parasites that can feed on the blood of other animals, not exclusively pets. Unlike fleas, ticks are considered arachnids and they have the potential to transmit several harmful diseases through their bite.

Depending on what region of the country you are in, fleas can affect you and your pet at different points in the year. Fleas are known to be more prevalent in warmer weather months since they love the heat, while ticks are present year-round and come in various breeds based on where you live.

If you are worried about your dog’s flea and tick exposure and want to know what to look for in your state, check out this informational guide from the American Kennel Club.

Why Preventing Fleas and Ticks Is Important

Fleas and ticks are some of the most common pet concerns in the United States. This is because, if left untreated, these parasites can cause great health problems for your furry friend. Along with itching, irritation, and possible infection, just some of the complications that can come from fleas and ticks include the following:

Blood loss
Anemia
Dermatitis
Lyme disease

Our team at Pet Palace wants to ensure that your dog is happy, healthy, and, most of all, free of fleas and ticks that could harm their wellbeing. With that in mind, here are four simple things you can do to prepare accordingly for flea and tick season!

1. Tend to Your Lawn

A good-looking lawn can pose a lot of health benefits for your pet. This is because tall grasses and overgrown bushes, trees, and other plants can be considered the perfect habitat for fleas and ticks to live and reproduce in.

With that in mind, we recommend that you frequently tend to your yard, as well as avoiding areas of tall grass or overgrowth while on walks with your dog. If you have a home garden as well, it might be a good idea to restrict your pet’s access to further protecting them from potential parasites.

2. Give Your Dog Regular Baths

Bathing your dog regularly can help prevent fleas and ticks from transmitting diseases to them. Matted and dirty fur can attract these parasites, so our team recommends giving your furry friend frequent baths, especially if they are extremely dirty after lots of playtime.

If your pet is not a fan of baths, try rewarding them with their favorite treats or toys both during and after their bath. This should alleviate some of their stress and displeasure while getting fresh and squeaky clean!

For the ultimate pampering treatment, consider bringing your dog in for pet grooming! Our professionally trained groomers specialize in a variety of bathing services, such as a simple bath and brush, teeth brushing, and more. Our grooming schedule is extremely flexible as well, so scheduling an appointment with our team should be easy and can accommodate your busy schedule!

3. Wash Your Dog’s Bedding and Toys

Alongside frequently washing your pet, make sure their toys and bedding are also cleaned regularly. This can prevent your dog from bringing in fleas and ticks that could lay eggs and further reproduce in your home.

It is recommended that you repeat this step at least once a month during flea and tick season for the best results. For mild infestations, repeat this step once a week to ensure the flea or tick outbreak is completely eliminated.

4. Consider Flea and Tick Medications

One of the most effective ways to ensure that your dog is ready for flea and tick season is by giving them monthly medication throughout the year. This can include topical treatment, oral pills, monthly spot-on flea treatments, and even a flea collar depending on your preference!

Some popular places to find medication for flea and tick prevention include:

When giving medication to your pet, keep in mind that there are differences in the packaging, sizing, and dosage amount depending on how large or small your pet is. When choosing the right medication for your furry friend, the target pet size (usually listed in pounds) is usually found on the front of the box.

Please make sure you read the instructions carefully regarding the dosage, as giving too little could leaven your pet unprotected while giving too much can make them sick.

What You Should Do if Your Dog Gets a Flea or Tick

When dealing with fleas and ticks, it is important to act fast. So if your dog happens to get fleas or ticks, there are several medications and shampoos you can give them to help alleviate and eradicate the issue. Alongside proper medication, thoroughly washing your pet’s bedding and toys will make sure the parasites do not spread.

Please note that before giving your pet any remedies for their fleas or ticks, please consult with your veterinarian directly. As professionals who know your pet well, they will give you the best advice on your pet’s overall health and well-being!

Contact Pet Palace Today

Have any questions about fleas and ticks, as well as preventative measures you can take to protect your furry friend? Want to know more about our vast array of services? If so, please contact our team at Pet Palace today! We look forward to helping you.