Pests that love to bite your dog come out in their droves in summer. Fleas and ticks thrive in the heat and can be a real nuisance to your furry friend.
Fleas
Flea bites are annoying and itchy for most dogs, but if your dog is allergic to them then they can cause real discomfort and severe scratching, which can become infected.
Regular flea treatment is the only way to prevent these little critters – a one-off application won’t be enough. The most effective treatments come from your vet, so ask them for a recommendation.
If your dog has fleas you will need to treat your home as well to get rid of the eggs.
Ticks
Ticks are spider-like, egg-shaped creepy crawlies that are common in woodland, grassland and heath areas.
Ticks carry diseases, so it’s important to remove any that attach themselves to your dog. This can be tricky, as you need to be careful not to squeeze the tick’s body, or allow its head to get stuck inside your dog. Twisting them off your dog is the best removal method, and pet shops sell handy tick-removal devices to make this easier. Ask your vet for advice.
Take care of dogs with sensitive skin and prevent sunburn
A few dogs catch Lyme disease annually in the UK, following a tick bite, and people can get the disease too.
Lyme disease is serious, so if you live in an area with a deer or sheep population you should consider tick treatment for your dog, which should kill the tick before they can transmit the disease.
Be particularly careful abroad as ticks in Europe can transmit a number of serious diseases.
If you are bitten by a tick, contact your doctor. Wearing trousers and long sleeves when walking through tick-infested areas will help prevent bites.
Bees and wasps
Dogs love to chase buzzing insects, but getting too close can be dangerous.
Most insect stings will simply cause your dog pain and irritation, but multiple stings can be fatal.
Dogs are also at risk when they snap at bees and wasps because this makes them more likely to be stung in the mouth or throat. Stings in these areas are hazardous because any swelling can block your pet’s airway.
Some dogs are allergic to bee and wasp stings, so watch out for signs of allergic reaction, including swelling and difficulty breathing.
If you think your dog has been stung multiple times, or is having an allergic reaction, take them to a vet straight away.
Enjoy the summer but be aware of the creepies and be prepared to take action as needed.
Next Blog is about your Dog and Allergies…
