Dog Fleas and Ticks

Fleas and ticks are common parasites that affect dogs of all sizes and breeds. These parasites can cause a wide range of health issues for your pet, from skin and coat problems to potentially life-threatening illnesses. That's why it's so important for pet owners to be aware of the signs and symptoms of fleas and ticks, as well as the best preventative treatments available.

In this article, we'll discuss the risks of fleas and ticks, the difference between over-the-counter and prescription flea and tick medications, and the veterinarian-recommended treatments for fleas and ticks. We'll also provide tips on identifying fleas and ticks on your dog and what to do if you spot them. If you live in Point Pleasant, NJ,Bridge Veterinary Hospital is here to help you keep your pet safe and healthy. Call (567) 361-3407 to schedule an appointment

How Does My Dog Get Fleas and Ticks?

Dogs can get fleas and ticks in various ways, often through contact with other infested animals or the environment. Fleas are found almost everywhere in the United States, at any time of year, and can hitchhike their way into your home through socks, pant legs, and shoes. Ticks crawl onto tall grass and bushes, waiting for a host to pass by. They also can be picked up outside during contact with other animals.

Can Fleas and Ticks Spread from My Dog to My Home and Family?

Yes, they can. Fleas like to hitchhike on shoes, clothes, or belongings. It’s also essential to understand the life cycle of fleas in that only one to five percent of the adults are on your dog, and 95% are in your home. Fleas only spend their adult time on the dog. Then, they leave the dog to lay their eggs and have their younger life stages out of the environment. So they certainly can affect you and other pets in your household. Ticks can also get on humans and potentially spread tick-borne diseases.

Can My Dog Get Fleas and Ticks if They Are Primarily an Indoor Dog?

Contrary to popular belief, indoor dogs are not exempt from the risk of flea and tick infestations. Fleas and ticks enter homes by hitching a ride on humans or pets or even through wildlife that roams near homes. Your dog can pick up fleas or ticks during walks, visits to the vet, and more. Ticks live in tall grasses, while fleas are often found in carpets and furniture. Fleas and ticks are most common during warmer weather but can survive indoors during colder months. Therefore, even indoor dogs need protection from these parasites.

What Health Problems Can Fleas and Ticks Cause My Dog?

Fleas are notorious for causing severe itching and skin issues in dogs. Some dogs are allergic to flea saliva, so they have an extreme reaction. Fleas also digest your dog's blood, so if there's a bad enough infestation, it can cause anemia and affect your dog’s blood levels. This can be very dangerous, especially in puppies.

Ticks can transmit many different diseases. One of the most well-known tick-borne illnesses is Lyme Disease, which both humans and animals can get.

Tick-borne diseases can cause their own issues, such as:

• The destruction of body cells
• Fever
• Joint issues
• Kidney issues
• And a whole host of other problems

How Effective Are Flea and Tick Medications?

Flea and tick medications have come a long way in the last 10 years. Back in the day, we used to give flea baths and flea dips. Generally, people don't do that anymore, as we now have preventives, and the ingredients continue to get updated as needed as fleas and ticks start to grow resistance.

We have topical flea and tick preventative medications, which not only kill fleas and ticks but most of them prevent them from jumping on a dog, to begin with. Unfortunately, they’re not always easy to apply, and you have to get it all the way down to the dogs’s skin, just not on their hair coat. That can be quite challenging if you have a very fluffy dog. Also, our dogs sometimes go swimming, and we give them baths, so we are washing the medicine off or making it less potent as the month goes along.

Thankfully, we now have oral tablets, which are essentially chewable treats, and the prevention is good for 30 days but can last for up to eight to 10 to 12 weeks, depending on which ticks you are trying to prevent. The chewable options like Bravecto, Simparaca, and Credelio make it easier for a person to do it themselves. And then, once it's in the dog, we're not worried about whether it got all the way down to the skin and some of those other issues associated with topicals.

What Is the Difference Between Over-the-Counter and Prescription Flea and Tick Medications?

The FDA-approved, EPA-regulated products that you get from your veterinarian work better and haven’t developed the resistance that many of the older, OTC products have. We know a lot more about the preventives we give you and can help you understand when to use them and what to expect as far as the results.

Although there are some topicals and collars available over the counter that are somewhat reputable, the ones we give you are more based in medicine. Also, the non-reputable ones are more similar to how a pesticide might work, so they're not safe. You can always ask your veterinarian which product is best for your dog.

What Different Types of Flea and Tick Preventative Treatments Are There?

At Bridge Veterinary Hospital, we understand that each pet is unique, which is why we offer a variety of effective flea and tick prevention options. Flea and tick preventative treatments can be divided into three main categories: oral, topical, and wearable.

Oral preventatives, such as Simparica Trio, Bravecto, and Credelio, are eaten by the dog and offer full-body protection. These treatments kill fleas within four hours of ingestion and disrupt the flea life cycle by killing them faster than they can lay eggs.

Topical treatments, such as Vectra, Revolution, Advantage II are applied directly to the skin to repel fleas and prevent tick attachments.

Wearable preventatives like the Seresto collar also offer protection against fleas and ticks. The collar must have skin contact to be effective.

Choosing the right product involves considering your dog’s age, breed, lifestyle, and health status. Some products may not be suitable for very young or old pets, and certain breeds may be sensitive to some ingredients. That's why consulting with your vet is so important when choosing a flea or tick prevention method for your canine companion.

How can I identify fleas and ticks on my dog?

You can sometimes see the fleas moving on your dog, but other times you can only see the flea dirt, which is the digestive material of what the fleas ate. You can use a flea comb to find this flea dirt, which often looks like salt and pepper. We know that the dark/pepper part is the excrement of fleas, and the white part that looks like salt is flea eggs. Sometimes owners might think that their dog looks filthy, as though they rolled in the dirt outside, which can also be fleas. If you suspect your dog may have fleas, we highly recommend you get them to a veterinarian as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the worse the infestation of your dog and environment will be.

Ticks in dogs look very similar to ticks in humans. They are tiny, dark brown insects that start to grow as they ingest more blood from your dog. Ticks love to go underneath the armpit and in darker, more vascular areas. If you identify one, call your veterinarian to ensure you're removing it correctly because there can be issues with that, and you want to get the whole body.

What Should I Do If I See Fleas or Ticks on My Dog?

If you've found fleas or ticks on your dog, taking immediate action is important. A flea comb helps remove existing fleas, and warm soapy water kills them on contact. For ticks, use a tick removal tool to grab the tick at the base where it has burrowed into the skin and lift it with steady, firm upward pressure. Be sure not to twist or crush the tick, as this can cause disease transmission.

Ask your veterinarian for appropriate treatment options and preventative measures tailored to your dog's needs and lifestyle. At Bridge Veterinary Hospital, we are committed to providing your pet with the highest quality care and best service possible. We offer a variety of flea and tick treatments that are safe, effective, and affordable.

Conclusion

Fleas and ticks are common parasites that can have serious health implications for your pet. It’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of fleas and ticks, as well as the best preventative treatments available. Over-the-counter and prescription flea medications, topical treatments, wearable preventatives, and oral products are all viable options. However, it's essential to consult with a licensed vet to ensure you select the right product for your furry family member. As veterinarians, we are dedicated to providing your pet with the highest quality care and best service possible. Contact us today for more information on our flea and tick control services!