For your dog’s health and happiness, it’s very important to keep him free from parasites such as ticks and fleas. They can pose serious health risks to your dog! Here are three steps to keeping your dog happy, healthy, and parasite free!

Detection Of Parasites: Know The Signs

Excessive licking or chewing, hotspots, restlessness, and anemia, can all be signs of parasites.

Look for fleas with a flea comb.

A flea comb has thin, narrowly spaced tines designed to catch these tiny, fast-moving insects. Fleas don’t fly but they do jump. Fleas can be anywhere on your dog. You might see flea droppings on the skin resembling small specks of pepper. Dog’s skin can also appear red and irritated, from the flea bites and the scratching that follows.

Be on the lookout for ticks.

Ticks have eight legs and their size varies. Ticks can be anywhere on your dog but pay special attention to the ears, between the paw pads and the anal area. They are usually quite easy to find by feeling them under your pet’s fur. The skin can become irritated, making the pet scratch. If a tick has attached to your pet, see your vet right away.

Prevention Of Parasites

Chemical.

There are sprays and oral preventatives to protect your dog from parasites. You can talk to your vet about the best option for you.

Natural.

There are also a wide range of natural sprays, powders, and oral parasite preventatives.

Environment.

Be extra aware of parasites if you live in an area where fleas and ticks are a problem. It’s a good idea to protect both inside and outside of your home in addition to treating your dog.

Importance Of Grooming

Grooming is one of the easiest ways to detect and prevent parasites. A regular grooming routine for your dog is an essential part of their overall health.