Summer is a wonderful time to spend outdoors with your furry best friend. However, it’s also when ticks and fleas are at their peak activity, making it a challenging season for pet owners. These pesky parasites can cause significant health problems in your dog, such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and skin irritation.
Therefore, it’s essential to know how to train your dog outside in the summer while keeping them protected from ticks and fleas. In this article, we’ll provide some tips to help you enjoy a tick and flea-free summer while training your dog outdoors. From regular grooming to using natural repellents, these tips will ensure that you and your furry companion can enjoy a safe and enjoyable summer together.
Do Your Homework on the Right Products to Use
When it comes to protecting your dog from ticks and fleas during summer, it’s crucial to do your research and choose the right products to use. According to Mordor Intelligence, The flea and tick product market is expected to register a growth of 7.39% during 2023 – 2028. It means there are a lot of flea and tick preventives on the market.
Not all flea and tick prevention products are created equal, and some may not be suitable for your dog’s age, size, or breed. Therefore, it’s essential to consult with your veterinarian to determine the most effective products for your pet. Your vet can recommend the right preventative products, including collars, sprays, shampoos, and topical treatments.
One of the most effective preventives is Trifexis for dogs. Trifexis is a prescription medication for dogs that is designed to provide a comprehensive solution for several common canine parasites. It is a once-a-month chewable tablet that combines two active ingredients – spinosad and milbemycin oxime.
Spinosad is a pesticide that kills fleas and prevents infestations, while milbemycin oxime is a dewormer that eliminates heartworms, roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms. Trifexis is a highly effective and convenient way to protect dogs from these parasites, as it eliminates the need for multiple treatments and reduces the risk of missed doses.
You can purchase the medication online on PetCareRX, which is a website that delivers all your pet care needs right to your doorstep. From toys and accessories to medicines like Trifexis, they are all available.
Additionally, reading the labels carefully and following the instructions is essential. Some products may require specific dosages, frequency of application, and storage instructions. Using the products correctly can help prevent harmful side effects and ensure maximum protection for your dog. By doing your homework on the right products to use, you can rest assured that you’re providing the best protection for your furry friend during the summer.
Keep an Eye Out for Ticks and Fleas
According to Animal Medical Center, fleas and ticks are most active in summer. Even with the best prevention measures, ticks and fleas can still find their way onto your dog. Therefore, it’s essential to keep an eye out for these parasites, especially after spending time outside.
Ticks and fleas hide in warm and humid areas, such as ears, underarms, and between toes. Check these areas thoroughly for any signs of ticks or fleas. If you find any, remove them immediately using tweezers or a tick removal tool, being careful not to leave any parts of the tick behind.
Paying attention to changes in your dog’s behavior or health is also essential. Fleas can cause skin irritation, redness, and excessive scratching, while ticks can transmit serious diseases that can cause lethargy, fever, and joint pain. If you notice these symptoms, take your dog to the vet immediately. Early detection and treatment can prevent further health complications and ensure a speedy recovery for your furry friend.
Pick Up All Waste from Your Yard
One of the most effective ways to prevent ticks and fleas from infesting your yard is to pick up all pet waste promptly. Ticks and fleas thrive in warm and humid environments, and pet waste provides an ideal breeding ground for them.
By removing pet waste, you’re eliminating a potential food source for these parasites, making it less likely for them to reside in your yard. Additionally, pet waste can attract other pests, such as rodents and flies, which can also carry diseases that can harm your dog.
To keep your yard tick and flea-free, pick up all pet waste daily and dispose of it properly. Use a plastic bag or poop scooper to collect and dispose of the waste in a sealed trash can. Avoid composting pet waste, as it can contain harmful bacteria and parasites that can survive and infect humans and other animals. Making pet waste cleanup a regular part of your yard maintenance routine creates a safer and healthier environment for your furry friend.
Take the Proper Precautions to Avoid Contact with Other Pets
When you’re out and about with your dog, taking proper precautions to avoid contact with other pets is essential. According to Statista, 69 million households in the US owned at least one dog during 2021-2022. Therefore, it’s very common into contact with another dog and get ticks or fleas.
Ticks and fleas can quickly transfer from one pet to another, so being vigilant is essential when interacting with other dogs. Avoid allowing your dog to come into contact with unfamiliar dogs, especially if they appear to have fleas or ticks. If you’re visiting a dog park or other public area, keep a close eye on your dog and discourage them from interacting too closely with other dogs.
If your dog does come into contact with another pet, it’s essential to check them thoroughly for ticks and fleas. Pay attention to any changes in your dog’s behavior or health, such as excessive scratching, licking, or lethargy. If you notice these symptoms, take your dog to the vet immediately.
Additionally, wash your dog’s bedding and toys regularly to prevent the transfer of ticks and fleas from one item to another. Taking the proper precautions can help prevent your dog from getting infested with ticks and fleas while enjoying the company of other pets.
Monitor Your Dog While They’re Outside
Monitoring your dog while outside is another crucial step in protecting them from ticks and fleas. Dogs love to explore and can easily pick up ticks and fleas from the environment. Therefore, keeping a close eye on them while they’re outside and preventing them from roaming into areas infested with parasites is essential.
Consider keeping your dog on a leash or within a fenced area to keep them in a controlled environment. Additionally, avoid letting your dog play in high-risk areas, such as wooded areas or tall grass, where ticks and fleas are more prevalent.
When monitoring your dog, checking them thoroughly for ticks and fleas after each outdoor excursion is essential. Run your hands through their fur, paying close attention to warm and humid areas like ears, armpits, and between toes. If you find any ticks or fleas, remove them immediately using tweezers or a tick removal tool.
Keeping your dog clean and well-groomed can also help prevent infestations, as parasites are less likely to attach to clean fur. By monitoring your dog while they’re outside and checking them regularly for ticks and fleas, you can help keep them safe and healthy all summer.
Conclusion
Keeping your dog safe and healthy during the summer is essential, especially when preventing ticks and fleas. Prevention is critical, so take proactive measures to protect your furry friend. Doing so lets you enjoy a worry-free summer with your beloved companion.
Hey there! I'm Rodrigo, a passionate writer with a lifetime love for animals, especially dogs. Creating this blog is a dream come true for me so I hope you enjoy all our content!
