How and how to properly remove fleas and ticks in dogs
Fleas not only cause discomfort to your pet, they also carry dangerous diseases. This means that the problem must be solved quickly and efficiently. What products will give the best results and how to use them?
Why fleas are dangerous
With the appearance of these "intruders" the dog becomes very restless. In addition to features in behavior, the following may appear:
- Flea saliva allergy. Wet areas appear on the skin.
- Itching. It can be of different intensities. Because of it, the dog tries to comb out (gnaw) problem areas. Weeping wounds and bald patches appear on the skin.
- The manifestation of a secondary infection. Many microorganisms live on the skin of a dog, and this is in the order of things. But with the advent of a more suitable breeding environment (open wounds, wet areas), their number becomes catastrophic, and this jeopardizes not only the health, but also the life of your pet.
In addition, remember that if other four-legged "friends" live in the house, the fleas will certainly "settle" with them. These insects do not live in humans, but they can bite.
You can easily determine whether a dog has fleas or not. To find an adult, it is enough to hold your hand against the fur. Insects can be found anywhere on the body, but they prefer soft and warm places, for example, behind the ears or in the armpits. If the infection is serious, it is very easy to detect parasites during water procedures - they usually move to dry areas of the skin (on the face, for example).
If you did not find adult insects, but notice the pet's restless behavior, conduct a more thorough examination. Then you can notice flea eggs (they look like small grains), or waste products of adult parasites (outwardly similar to grains of ground pepper).
Varieties of remedies for flea ticks
Immediately, we note that today a huge assortment of drugs is offered, but the remedy is selected individually, depending on your circumstances, the age of the animal, and its characteristics.
Shampoos, drops, sprays, tablets, collars, combs - they all vary in cost, application and effectiveness.
Shampoos are used during water treatments. With proper use and adherence to the dosage, the animal will not experience the slightest discomfort. The main thing is that the composition does not get into the eyes or on the mucous membrane of the dog. In addition, the pet should not be allowed to lick the medicated shampoo. The main disadvantage is that the product can be used no more than once a month, since insecticides accumulate in the body and can lead to negative consequences.
The drops also work with insecticides.The main advantage of this tool is ease of use, availability, relative safety, and long-term effect. Drops are applied to the withers of the dog. The main thing is that the skin is dry and clean, without damage. It is best to apply drops between the shoulder blades, on the cervical region at the base of the skull. This remedy is contraindicated in pregnant and lactating dogs, puppies under the age of two months, as well as in animals that have an individual intolerance to the drug.
Sprays are easy to apply and have the same principles of action as drops. They are appreciated for their ease of use and fast results. Sprays are often used for prophylactic purposes, since they do not enter the body and cannot harm the pet. The main thing is to carry out the processing outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. The disadvantages of aerosols are often called the possibility of an allergic reaction in dogs, incomplete death of insects with poor processing, inconvenience of use for long-haired breeds, as well as a short therapeutic effect.
Collars have become more and more popular lately. They are impregnated with special oils, and therefore have an unpleasant smell for insects. One collar is valid for six months, and then you need to purchase a new one. Professionals recommend using collars as an adjunct to basic treatments (drops, pills, or shampoo). If you notice that a huge number of parasites live on the pet's coat, it is better not to use the collar, it will not give the desired result.
Pills. It's no secret that giving a dog a pill is not an easy task. This is why pill insecticides are not considered the most popular remedy. But the tablet form of drugs is highly effective. This fact is recognized by both veterinarians and dog owners. Today in many veterinary clinics you will be offered special pills in the form of a bone with a pleasant aroma for the dog. So, it will not be difficult for you to "feed" the medicine. The main advantage of the tablets is their prolonged action. Protection against bloodsuckers is provided for up to three months. Consider the following guidelines: Choose the right dose for your pet's weight and age, and although the pills are poisonous for parasites, they are perfectly safe for your dog.
Injections. Recently, in the fight against parasites, dog owners are increasingly resorting to injections. The active substance quickly enters the bloodstream and gives the desired effect. The substance enters the body of the parasite along with the blood and paralysis of the insect sets in, and then death. If the flea was pregnant, the eggs will also die. If you do not have special skills, it is better not to experiment and do not inject yourself. See a professional veterinarian.
Powder. This is a relatively new parasite control agent. Easy to use and highly effective. The preparation is applied to the coat, left on for a few minutes, and then removed. It is recommended to use powder 2-3 times a week.
Most popular remedies
Stronghold
These flea drops for dogs are rightfully considered the leader. They were appreciated by both pet owners and veterinarians. The main advantages of the drug: versatility and high efficiency. And the absence of side effects and the ability to use even during pregnancy and lactation make it truly irreplaceable. The active ingredient of the drug is selamectin. The dose is determined based on the weight of the pet. It is applied to the withers and absorbed within half an hour. Already during the first days after using stronghold, you can see the result of the action - dead parasites. Re-processing is recommended after a month. Contraindications are open wounds and animal intolerance to the active substance.
Frontline combo
The popularity of this drug is slightly lower and is explained by the honorable second place by the fact that the tool can be used only from the age of two months. The active ingredient is fipronil. The manufacturer warns that after applying the drug, it is better to keep small children away from the animal during the day. Avoid getting the product into open wounds of the pet.
Advocate
Another effective parasite remedy for dogs. Differs in a wide spectrum of action and can be used from the age of seven weeks of the pet. A very effective and at the same time moderately safe remedy, which is also important.
Bravecto
Effective, but very expensive, and probably therefore not one of the most popular. It guarantees "freedom" from parasites for 10-12 weeks after application. It is available in tablets and takes effect within a few hours after being taken.
Beaphar
Insect repellents from this company are manufactured in Holland. Collars provide long-term protection against blood-sucking insects. Recommended for use for dogs from two months of age. They are available in different sizes, so you can choose such an "accessory" exactly to the size of your pet. To activate the effect of insecticides, when putting on the collar, you need to pull on the ends. Effective for about four months.
The Beaphar company is not limited to the production of collars only. There are also sprays in its assortment. The distinctive features of these funds are considered acceptable price, quality, ease of use.
Kiltix
These collars are available in three sizes: 38, 53 and 70 cm. Depending on the size, the purpose also changes: for puppies, small, medium or large dogs. The coating contains propoxur and flumethrin. Protects against parasites for up to six months.
Important! You cannot bathe your pet in such a collar, because when it gets wet, it loses its effectiveness.
Frontline
This is perhaps the most famous spray. Its popularity is due to a number of advantages: high efficiency (one use is enough to completely get rid of parasites), ease of use, and fast action. The main "disadvantage" is the high cost of the drug. In addition, in some cases, toxic effects may occur. Cannot be used on sick or recovering pets.
Folk remedies
Probably, it would be strange if the owners of dogs and cats did not experiment with improvised means in search of an effective "antidote" to parasites.The main advantage of folk remedies is that they are absolutely safe for the health of your pets. Of course, their effectiveness is often somewhat inferior to the chemical compositions of well-known brands, but the fact that you will be protected from unpleasant surprises is a fact. Although, in fairness, it is worth noting that there are cases when it was possible to "defeat" even large accumulations of parasites with folk remedies.
Tar soap. Perhaps the only drawback of this remedy is the smell. Even some people find it difficult to tolerate. The pet needs to be soaped while bathing, left for a few minutes, and then washed off with warm water.
Eucalyptus oil. An amazing product in its composition. The spectrum of its action is very diverse. To get rid of fleas, it is recommended to make the following solution: 6 drops of oil per 1 liter of water. Apply the mixture to the dog's coat 15 minutes before bathing. And then just rinse with warm water. For greater effect, repeat the procedure after a few days.
Wormwood tincture. For 2 liters of hot water, add 3 tablespoons of dry wormwood. Cool the composition before use, and then apply to the dog's coat and wait 30 minutes. Then rinse with warm water.
As you can see, there are enough ways to protect your pet from unwanted guests. This can be an almost professional remedy not cheap, or quite an affordable folk way. The main thing is to start acting as soon as the problem is discovered.
VIDEO: How to permanently get rid of fleas from a dog.
