Spring and summer are the seasons to cherish; not only for you, for the dog too. But what about the fleas? It’s the season for the fleas to return as well. Not only these parasites are creepy, they can hamper your pet’s skin and can cause severe problems.
Basically, fleas have four stages viz egg, larva, pupa, and adult. They breathe in warm and humid conditions and lay eggs on animals body. Furthermore, these wingless, blood-sucking parasites originate from fungus things and hop on pet’s body.
How to identify fleas on a dog?
If your dog is continuously scratching the same spot, it will be a good idea to inspect him. Look your pet’s armpits, groin and ears to identify that small, dark colored insects. If you are still unable to find, try using a fine-tooth comb.
Also, you can check for dark patches on your pet’s skin.
From the best flea collars to the costly one, we spend lots of money keeping our dog infectious free. So here are some basic things you can do:
- Best treatment starts by keeping your dog free from any critters. And for this, start giving your pup a regular warm-water bath with a good shampoo. From the branded shampoos to the natural ones, you can pick anyone as per your pet’s needs.
- Fleas live on the things like trees, grass, and dead animal’s body, So makes sure to keep your dog away from them; if possible keep them inside the house. But, if you take your dog goes on regular walks, try keeping him away from logs, wooden areas, and from the areas that have lots of bushes.
- Try flea prevention treatments; There are numerous treatments that you can use to protect your dog from infections. The most effective are as following:
Collars
Flea collars are used to prevent dogs from an infectious parasitic disease. These collars last up to 8 months and work bests when combined with other treatment like drops, shampoo or medicines. Although they aren’t much stylish, it’s best for the dogs who spends a lot of time playing in wooded areas and in grounds.
Pills
Pills are the oral medicine given to a dog. They come in chewable tablets and can work quickly as 4 hours. But they need a vet’s prescription and don’t prevent from other parasitic diseases like ticks. Also, they are most effective when combined with drops
Sprays and Shampoos
Flea shampoos and sprays are the ones you can use to safeguard your pet from parasitical diseases. While shampoos can only kill up to one day, sprays can prevent the dog for minimum 2 months.
Flea Drops
Flea drops are the most effective and popular treatment for curing dogs. Its application is very simple and easy; you only have to apply few drops once in a month. Not only drops prevents a dog from fleas, it also helps from developing any eggs, ticks, and lice as well.
Make sure to choose the right drop. Here’s a rundown of the top 5 flea drops that you can use for treating your dog:
Note: Wear gloves while applying, as it may be cautious for humans.
Bob Martin Spot on Ticks and Fleas
It’s simple yet most effective way to safeguard your pet from any parasitical diseases. It is most suitable for dogs that are just 12 weeks old. Simply apply directly onto your pet’s skin and sit relax for next 4 weeks. Use it between the shoulder blades or at the nape of neck for quick protection.
Beaphar Large Dog Flea & Tick Drops
Give your dog the most effective drop treatment from Beaphar Dog Flea and Tick drops. It is simple to use and doesn’t irritate on dog’s skin. It is also best for pets that are more than 2 weeks of age. Just apply at the back of dog’s neck and near to its tail and done!
Merial Frontline Plus Flea and Tick Control
It’s one of the most popular brands when shopping for flea drops for your pet. It is a medicated ointment for dogs that can kill up to 98 to 100% fleas, eggs, ticks and other parasites. It is specially made for dogs that weigh between 5 to 22 pounds. Use this at your dog’s shoulder blades or at hairs for effective results.
Vectra 3D
It is another most popular flea drop that most vets suggest when any other product aren’t working for a dog. Rather than curing the infection after biting, they kill parasites as soon as they come in contact with the skin. Not only they are capable of killing fleas, they are also good in killing lice, mosquitoes, mites, sand flies. Although Vectra 3D is very powerful and good for treating fleas, make sure to consult your vet before using it. It can cause severe allergic reactions and can even result in death in most disastrous situations.
K9 Advantix II
It’s a tropical applicator that prevents the dog from parasitic infections. It is waterproof, easy to use and is capable of repelling disease in just 12 hours. It is perfect for dog’s and puppies that are 7 weeks of age or older.
Which one is best for you?
Picking the right treatment and the right medicine totally depends on you and your dog’s needs. Make sure to consult your vet before applying it on your pet’s body.
Other treatments
Although drops are best for flea prevention, there are some other things you can also do to give to protect your dog.
- Keep your dog’s bed clean and make sure to vacuum it periodically
- Wash your pet’s blanket in warm water and dry it on high heat
- Use disinfectants regularly
- Use flea-preventive meds of high quality
Parasites are the most disgraceful act in dogs owner’s life. However, with proper treatment and preventive measure, it can be treated. Don’t panic if your dog has these parasites, use aforementioned steps and keep your best friend happy.
