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Pest Patrol: Protecting Your Dog from Fleas, Ticks, and Mosquitoes This Summer

Summer is a fantastic time for outdoor adventures with your dog, but it’s also prime season for pesky pest parasites. Pest such as fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes aren’t just annoying; they can transmit serious diseases that jeopardize your dog’s health and even yours. As a responsible pet parent, an active “pest patrol” strategy is crucial to keep your canine companion safe and itch-free all summer long.

Here’s what you need to know to protect your dog from these unwelcome pesty guests:

1. Pest – Fleas: The Itchy Truth

Fleas are tiny, fast-moving parasites that can cause intense itching, skin infections, allergic reactions, and even anemia in severe infestations (especially in puppies). They also carry tapeworms.

Protection Strategies:

• Veterinarian-Prescribed Preventatives: This is your strongest line of defense. Talk to your vet about:
  • Oral Medications: Many popular options are highly effective, killing fleas quickly.
  • Topical Treatments: Spot-on treatments applied to the skin (ensure you follow application instructions carefully).
  • Flea Collars: Some newer generation flea collars offer good protection, but consult your vet for recommendations.
• Regular Grooming: Frequent brushing can help you spot fleas early and remove some of them. Look for “flea dirt” (small black specks that turn reddish-brown when wet), which is flea feces.
• Environmental Control: If you have an indoor infestation, you’ll need to treat your home (vacuuming regularly, washing bedding, possibly using sprays or foggers, or calling an exterminator) as well as your pet.

2. Pest – Ticks: The Silent Threat

Ticks are perhaps the most concerning summer pest due to the serious diseases they can transmit, including Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis, Ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. These diseases can cause lameness, lethargy, fever, and kidney issues, among other severe symptoms.

Protection Strategies:

• Veterinarian-Prescribed Preventatives: Just like with fleas, effective tick prevention is usually a chewable tablet or a topical spot-on. Your vet can recommend the best product for your dog’s lifestyle and local tick prevalence.
• Daily Tick Checks: This is critical, especially after walks in wooded or grassy areas.
  • Thoroughly inspect your dog’s entire body, paying close attention to ears (inside and out), between toes, under the collar, in armpits, and around the tail and groin.
  • Feel for small bumps. Ticks can range in size from a poppy seed to a small grape when engorged.
• Proper Tick Removal: If you find a tick:
  • Use fine-tipped tweezers or a specialized tick removal tool.
  • Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
  • Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Do not twist or jerk.
  • After removal, clean the bite area with antiseptic and wash your hands.
  • Save the tick in a sealed bag with rubbing alcohol (or flush it) and note the date in case your dog shows symptoms later.
  • DO NOT use a flame, alcohol swab, or any other essential oil on the tick while it is inside the skin.  This will cause the tick to “spit” it’s saliva, thus increasing chances of disease like lymes or Rocky mountain spotted fever
• Avoid High-Risk Areas: Try to stay on marked trails and avoid walking through tall grass and dense brush where ticks often hide.

3. Pest – Mosquitoes: More Than Just Annoying Bites

Mosquito bites are itchy for dogs just like they are for us, but the biggest concern with mosquitoes is their ability to transmit heartworm disease. Heartworm is a severe, progressive, and potentially fatal disease that affects the heart, lungs, and blood vessels.

Protection Strategies:

• Year-Round Heartworm Preventative: This is absolutely essential. Most heartworm preventatives are oral medications given monthly, or there’s an injectable option given every 6-12 months. They work by killing heartworm larvae before they can mature.
  • Note: Your dog will need a heartworm test before starting preventative medication.
• Limit Exposure During Peak Hours: Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk. Try to walk your dog outside these times.
• Eliminate Standing Water: Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. Empty bird baths, old tires, and other containers that collect water in your yard.
• Avoid Dog-Unsafe Repellents: Do NOT use human insect repellents (like DEET) on your dog. These can be toxic if ingested or absorbed through the skin. Talk to your vet about safe, dog-specific repellents if needed, though heartworm preventative is the primary defense.

Stay Vigilant, Stay Safe

Summer is a time for fun, not for parasites. By committing to year-round parasite prevention recommended by your veterinarian and conducting regular checks, you can significantly reduce the risk of fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes from impacting your dog’s health. Enjoy your summer adventures with peace of mind, knowing your beloved companion is protected!

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