If your dog goes out in the garden, out for walks, or in fact, out anywhere then he is at risk of becoming infested by fleas and ticks. Likewise, contact with other animals that go outside can also pose a risk of infestation for your dog. And once fleas and ticks get a hold, they can be difficult to get rid of, causing irritation and frustration for you and your pet.
These are both external parasites, and between them can cause a range of problems from dermatitis and anaemia to Lyme Disease or Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. It is therefore important that your dog is treated for prevention against these parasites to protect both him and other animals or humans that he comes in to contact with.
Fleas
Fleas are probably the most common of all parasites, and they can cause irritation to the skin as well as frustration to pet owners all over the world. Fleas are external parasites that can infest your dog either through contact with another flea-ridden animal or through being in a flea-infested environment. If your dog is not protected against fleas and become infested, he can then infest your whole home, and you could find the whole family scratching and itching as the fleas start to bite.
Once your dog has got fleas and brought them in to the house, they can be a nightmare to get rid of and you will have to invest in all manner of shampoos, sprays and solutions. However, with a simple course of preventative medicine you can protect your dog, and any fleas that do get on him will be killed before an infestation can occur. This will save you a lot of time, money and hassle, and will minimise the chances of your pet or your family ending up with irritated, itchy dermatitis.
Ticks
Ticks are far more dangerous than fleas, and although fleas are something of a nuisance, ticks can be downright dangerous. These parasites can be picked up in damp areas, beaches, woods, grassy and green areas. Ticks are known to pass on a number of diseases, such as Lyme Disease, Typhus and Tick Paralysis amongst others.
Once your dog becomes infested with ticks, he can easily pass the ticks on to other animals and humans, thus putting them at risk of disease as well.
To avoid putting your dog at risk of infestation you need to ensure that a good preventative programme of medication is in place, and your vet will be able to advise and guide you with regards to the best form of treatment. You can get treatments both for your dog and your home, and this will minimise the chances of your dog, any other pets, and family members becoming the victims of infestation.
When you look at the cost, worry and hassle involved in trying to clear up an infestation that has become out of control. It becomes quite clear that a simple and effective course of treatment is both less trouble and less expensive. Administering treatment once a month is nothing compared to the trouble you will have once an infestation has taken a hold of your dog. You will then have to work on getting rid of the fleas with all manner of shampoos and solutions, plus you will have to treat the home and other members if the family that have been in contact with the fleas or ticks.
If you have any doubts about the best treatment to prevent your dog from getting fleas and ticks, your vet can offer a wealth of advice. Using preventative medicine is by far the best solution to flea and tick problems, and will save you a lot of worry and your dog a great deal of discomfort.
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