Protect Your Pet From Fleas and Ticks

As the days grow longer and the temperatures become more inviting, you may find the urge to get outside hard to ignore. These ventures likely involve exploring all that nature has to offer with your favorite pup by your side. As the wet and warmer days of spring inch nearer, you probably have flea and tick prevention at the forefront of your mind.

It's important to protect your furry family members from fleas and ticks year-round. Still, if you live in an area that typically experiences frigid winters, it's possible that staying on top of flea and tick control fell from your list of priorities. No matter if your ongoing parasite prevention temporarily fell by the wayside, you're looking for new ways to fight fleas, or you simply don't know where to start, read on to learn more about some of the best ways to protect your pup from the dangers that accompany ticks and flea infestations.

Apply Protection With Ease

There are several different ways to directly protect your doggo from irritating fleas and ticks. A long-time go-to with dog lovers, spot treatments allow you to quickly and effectively protect your pup with just a simple, monthly application.

Topical flea and tick treatments are usually applied by spreading a section of hair between your pup's shoulder blades so that you can squeeze the medication from the applicator directly onto a patch of your pet's skin. Spot treatments like Frontline Plus provide protection from parasites for a month and begin to kill existing fleas and ticks within the first 24 hours of application.

Treat Your Pup To a Dose of Prevention

Another type of direct treatment comes in the form of a chewable. If your pup is especially food-motivated, these treat-like chewables are an easy and efficient way to prevent tick bites and flea infestations.

There are several benefits to choosing a chewable option. Unlike medications that are applied directly to your dog's skin, chewables don't leave behind any proof that you just treated your pup with a flea and tick preventative. There is no medication residue left behind on your dog that you need to worry about avoiding while giving love and pets, and you need not fret about your pup rubbing medication on your furniture or possessions.

If you have a hard time remembering to administer your pet's flea and tick treatment each month, then add that to the list of reasons why a chewable may be your best bet. Choose a preventative like Bravecto, and enjoy only having to treat your pup once every three months.

The biggest downside to chewable flea and tick treatments is that most of them can't simply be purchased on a whim without any advanced planning. Many of these preventative options do require a prescription before you can purchase them.

Wash Away Irritation

Fleas create a host of issues for your furry family member, as well as for everyone else in your household. If your pup begins scratching and biting at her skin non-stop, a closer inspection may reveal tiny, hopping, and biting enemies lurking among your dog's fur. Once a live infestation has been confirmed, it's imperative to take action immediately.

If left untreated, flea bites can lead to skin irritation and infections, and can even cause your pup to develop allergies. When you notice the first signs of a flea infestation, reach for a dog flea shampoo for a quick solution. A good bath with the right cleanser provides instant treatment and relief.

If utilizing a flea shampoo, it's important to remember to lather your pup immediately all around her neck before rubbing the shampoo throughout all of her fur. This creates a barrier that stops fleas from trying to migrate to higher ground on your pup's head to avoid the potent soap.

Treat Your Dog's Surroundings

Fleas and ticks are commonly found on dogs because of all the time they spend exploring outside. Commonly found in yards and other areas that pups enjoy, the parasites are easily picked up and brought indoors. If you suspect your doggo's flea issue stems from your own outdoor area, treating the source will help to eradicate the issue.

A flea and tick spray can quickly and easily be applied to your yard. If you garden or tend plants, spraying your lawn may not seem like an ideal solution, however, a spray such as Wondercide Flea, Tick & Mosquito Spray breaks down and kills the full life cycle of these pests using natural and plant-based ingredients.

If a full-blown infestation breaks out in your home, you could find fleas hopping around among your carpets, bedding, and clothing. Even though the pests can't live on humans, that doesn't mean they can't bite you and be an incredible annoyance. If your flea outbreak reaches this level, an indoor home treatment may become necessary. A home flea spray can be used on pet bedding, furniture, and carpets to help remediate and get the infestation under control more quickly.

There are many routes you can take to control fleas and ticks on your beloved furry family member. Treating an infestation that is already occurring is possible, but the best method for controlling fleas and ticks is to do your best to prevent them from taking residence on your pet in the first place. Whether you decide to protect your precious pooch with a topical medication or a chewable, you can rest easy knowing you're doing one of the best things you can to ensure your pet's health, happiness, and comfort.