The approaching warm weather of spring in the northern parts of the country brings with it a new flea and tick season. The best method to ensure your dog does not become infested with fleas is to get out in front of problem. A good quality flea collar at the beginning of the season will do just that.

While fleas pose no real immediate threat to your dog, if left untreated can cause serious skin problems and loss of fur. One the test during your annual vet exam should include a fecal test which checks for flea larvae that feeds on fecal matter.

Dog owners who have dogs with sensitive skin and find that a flea collar irritates their skin can give a combination pill. These pills are very cost effective as they prevent fleas as well as heartworm in one pill given monthly throughout the year. Front Line flea and tick has such a product and like heartworm medication, they are available by prescription only.

If your dog becomes infested with fleas your house will soon follow, so outfitting your dog in a flea collar not only protects them but your family as well. The purpose of adult fleas is to feed on blood and reproduce be that human or canine. There are several flea and tick powders owners can use to rid fleas that have infested the home.

Should you find yourself in this situation, drop off your dog at your local groomer for a flea bath. While your dog is out of the home, apply flea powder to carpet and all of the furniture throughout your house. This should kill off any fleas preventing them from re-infesting your dog when they come back from the groomers.

Ticks are another problem warm weather bring out. Ticks gorge on blood by attaching themselves to your dog. Although flea and tick medicine helps, if your dog spends a lot of time running through heavy brush ticks will still attach themselves to dogs. If this happens to you, they need to be removed quickly using a tick remover tool, as they will become firmly attached.

Ticks carry with them deceases that if left untreated will be fatal to your dog. Anytime you take your dog on a camping trip or even through a wooded dog park, you should check under your dogs’ fur for ticks that may have found their way to your dog’s skin.

Fleas can be an annoying problem that can be avoided with a flea collar or multiple preventative pills. Ticks on the other hand must be removed with a specific tool designed just for removal. Avoid the costly treatments and shampoos by outfitting your dog in a good quality flea collar at the beginning of the season.

by Remarkable Dogs