Dog flea & tick protection 

What’s the difference between ticks and fleas?

Ticks and fleas have similarities, namely that they are both parasites that feed on pets’ blood and both prefer warmer, more humid weather conditions. In addition, they can both cause skin irritation and transmit diseases. However, there are also some key differences that dog owners should know about.

Ticks are arachnids that feed on the blood of a range of animals, from rodents to dogs to deer. While ticks don’t cause infestations, they can carry serious and potentially deadly diseases like Lyme disease, so should be removed as soon as possible if you spot them on your pet.

Fleas, on the other hand, are wingless insects. They jump onto a host, most often a cat or dog, and remain there until they die. Unlike ticks, fleas getting into your house can cause an infestation, bringing along their friends until they cover the home. As well as the skin irritation that both parasites bring, fleas can also carry tapeworms, which can affect dogs’ digestion and weight.

How do dogs catch ticks and fleas?

As you’ll know as a dog owner, dogs like to explore when they’re out on walks, especially in wide open spaces like fields and parks. This is unavoidable and, unfortunately, puts them at risk of catching ticks and fleas.

Wilder areas like long grass, woodland, and forest harbour an increased risk of ticks. While they cannot jump like fleas, ticks often drop off plants when dogs brush past them and attach themselves to your pooch.

Dogs can also get fleas from grassy and wooded areas, but fleas have the unfortunate extra ability to jump, so other dogs and animals can pass fleas to your canine friend. If your dog makes a new friend while out on a walk or another animal with fleas comes into your home, there is a risk. Flea eggs can also transfer to and from clothes, increasing the likelihood of infestation in your home.

Signs your dog might have ticks or fleas

When it comes to ticks and fleas, it’s important to know what signs you’re looking out for. You may find that your dog is scratching, itching, biting, or chewing themselves. You might also notice patchy hair loss and irritated or red skin. If you notice any of these signs, you should check your dog’s fur for ticks, fleas, and flea droppings.

You can check for fleas by running a flea comb through your dog’s fur and depositing any potential fleas or flea droppings onto a damp paper towel. If any black specks turn a brownish-red colour on contact with moisture, it’s possible that your dog has fleas.

To check for ticks, visually inspect your dog’s fur and run your hand over your dog’s body to check for any bumps and lumps. Pay particular attention to the areas behind your dog’s ears, under their collar, and between their toes – any new or unusual bumps may be a sign of ticks.

What should I do if my dog has fleas or a tick?

Now you know how to identify fleas and ticks, it’s important to understand what to do next.

If you’ve identified that your dog has fleas, it’s vital to act fast. Invest in a suitable treatment not only for your dog, but also for any other pets you have in your home, as fleas can jump from animal to animal, to help get rid of fleas as soon as possible.

There are lots of different flea treatments for dogs that will kill any fleas on your pooch, including:

• FRONTLINE PLUS® Flea & Tick Treatment for Dogs 

• Effipro Duo Spot On Flea Treatment for Dogs 

As well as being present on pet fur, fleas can also easily infest a home, particularly carpets and soft furnishings. For this reason, you should treat your home as well as your pets if you notice your dog has fleas. Products like Indorex Defence Household Flea Spray can be sprayed around the home to help control fleas, as well as dust mites.

If you find a tick on your dog, you should remove it as soon as you can to minimise the risk of disease. It’s important not to squeeze the tick – instead, gently twist it to part it from your dog’s skin. O’Tom Tick Twister and similar tools are specifically designed for this purpose, as an easier and more effective method than using your fingers.

Protecting your dog

When it comes to fleas and ticks, prevention is your best bet for protecting your dog. Using regular tick and flea treatments help to deter the creatures and make your dog a less appealing host, reducing the chances of them catching fleas and ticks.

The treatment process is a straightforward routine. The easy process involves applying a droplet of the flea and tick treatment to your dog’s skin every four to eight weeks. This should help your dog avoid getting ticks, fleas, and the diseases, complications, and irritation that they cause.

Phil’s advice

• There are some fantastic flea treatments available, both for if your dog has fleas and to prevent them. Flea your dog regularly by setting reminders to make sure they stay protected.

• Check for ticks when you get home from a walk, especially if your dog has been in or near long grass.

• Wash your bed sheets regularly, empty dust from your vacuum cleaner promptly, and keep floors and surfaces clean. Keeping your home clean and clear of fleas is as important as the treatment you administer directly to your dog.