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different ways to treat your pet for fleas and ticks

animauxblog January 7, 2022 3 min read 0

How to detect fleas

Scratches, bites on the fur, maybe even large patches of irritated skin, all indicate fleas. A fine-toothed flea comb passed through your pet’s fur can confirm this if they pick up adult fleas and possibly “flea dirt,” small specks that look like pepper.

“Dirt” is actually flea excrement, made mostly from your pet’s dried blood. You may be able to see fleas without a comb if you part the hair between your pet’s shoulder blades or at the base of the tail.

When

Fleas are worse during the warmer months, but they can be inside your home year round. Spring and summer are usually the most intense times for ticks.

If you see any signs of these parasites on your pet, treat them immediately. Otherwise, start treatment at the start of flea or tick season. Your vet can tell you when if you are not sure. Some areas require year-round treatment.

The different ways to remedy it

Shampoing anti-puces

To look for fleas and dirt on your dog’s coat, use a comb for this purpose. You can also take part of the coat to examine your dog’s skin. Concentrate on the lower back and the base of the tail, as this is where these parasites are often found. If you see any fleas or dirt attached to them, the right shampoo can help remove them. However, shampoo does not necessarily solve the problem, it only removes the current on your dog.

It is relatively easy to give your dog a flea bath. In fact, it’s a bit like giving your dog a regular bath.

Drops

Liquid medications, sometimes called spot treatments, are applied directly to the skin of a cat or dog, usually between the shoulders, at the base of the neck (for cats), or all over the back, base of the neck. neck to tail (for dogs). These products come in vials containing agents that protect your pet for 30 consecutive days.

They work by killing fleas and ticks (and sometimes mosquitoes, depending on the product) by depositing chemicals in the sebaceous glands, where the active ingredient is released and travels through glands that lubricate a cat’s coat or dog with oil. When applied, the compound travels rapidly through the skin. The pesticide will attack the nervous system of fleas and ticks and cause the parasites to lose the ability to feed on your pet.

Some flea and tick drops also contain an insect growth regulator (IGR) to control any eggs that may have survived during the initial dosage. IGRs prevent the development of eggs from reaching adulthood, thereby disrupting the natural life cycle. IGRs also prevent new infestations.

Anti-flea collars

Collars are a practical option for pet owners with cats or dogs who are not suffering from an existing infestation. Like topical formulas, they effectively prevent, but do not necessarily cure an infestation.

Collars have a longer lasting effectiveness, typically up to 7 or 8 months, and can be worn in addition to a normal pet collar. Flea and tick collars have two functions: repelling and treating. Some necklaces only regrow and others both regrow and process.

Here is a video that will help you remove fleas and ticks after your pet has been treated.

(Video proposed by Coastal – Safari)