The 2019 spring season has arrived and it’s time to protect your canine from being hassled by fleas and ticks. This is also the time to prepare for your dog's shedding fur. The warmer weather is great for dogs but it can also be a troubling time for your pooch.
Warm weather naturally attracts bugs. This includes fleas and ticks which can be a pain for your dog to deal with. However, your dog and you should not have to worry about these bothersome pest. Just follow the advice presented here and your pooch should end up having a summer free from fleas, ticks and other pests.
Flea and Tick Prevention
Fleas and ticks hibernate during the cold winter months. Once the temperature starts to change and the weather gets warmer these bugs come out of their deep winter slumber. They are in search of food and your dog (and other animals) make an excellent meal for these parasites. You can get an early jump on these pests by preparing your yard in advance. You should cut the hedges, trim the bushes and mow the grass. This is the normal yard work that most people do during the summer months so don’t think of it as an extra chore!
Remember that fleas and ticks thrive in moist places where there is a lot of clutter. The less clutter and the more open your backyard space is, the fewer ticks and fleas you will have. Now, there is no such thing as a flea and tick free outside environment but you can make it less appealing to them. The goal is to keep these insects under control enough to where they don't pose too much of a problem for your pets.
When venturing out into the great outdoors make sure your dog stays protected! It is extremely easy for dogs to pick up fleas and especially ticks when hiking or camping. Even if you’re using a flea and tick preventative or fleas collar, check your dog carefully when you get home. Ticks can pose serious health risks such as Lyme disease so the sooner you can remove them, the better!
Other Treatment Options for Fleas and Ticks
Fleas and ticks aren’t deadly (in most cases), however, they can make you and your pet’s life life rather miserable. Veterinarians recommend giving your pet a medical flea bath and/or using flea medications to keep these pests from colonizing. Some people also find success using a prescription strength flea collar.
One thing we know- not every treatment works for every dog so you may need to try different tactics. Taking your pet to the vet, regularly inspecting their fur, and monitoring your yard are other great ways to control ticks and fleas. One last thing that you can use for your yard is diatomaceous earth. This substance is virtually non toxic and it works wonders with eliminating bugs like fleas and ticks.
General Information about Dog Shedding
Shed happens, there’s no getting around this natural process. Spring dog shedding happens because your dog is preparing their body for a new change in the seasons. They too can sense the arrival of the spring time! Still, pet owners can control how much their dogs shed by combing their hair every other day with tools such as undercoat rakes. Some people also take the extra step of having their pet’s fur trimmed. Keep in mind, double coated dogs are not recommended to have their coats cut short as is serves as protection and it’s own cooling system.
If a dog is shedding a concerning amount of hair this could be an indication of a health condition. In this case, consulting your vet is always the best option. Controlling fleas, ticks, and shedding will help you and your dog enjoy all that spring has to offer.