Fleas and ticks are a real nuisance for our dogs. These insects feed on your pet’s blood and can cause health problems ranging from allergic reactions to serious tick-borne illnesses such as Lyme disease. Ticks will be looking for a host anytime it is over 4 degrees Celsius. Fleas are more prevalent in the warmer months, but as soon as it gets cold, they will try to get inside.
How can I tell if my dog has ticks or fleas?
Ticks can be hard to spot in fur. Using a fine-tooth comb and carefully checking your dog every day will help you find them before they are attached long enough to cause a problem. Fleas are also hard to find. Dogs can become itchy and develop scabs before we even notice a flea.
How can I prevent fleas and ticks on my dog?
Prevention is always best when it comes to ticks and fleas! We have Bravecto, which is available in a chewable tablet or topical that you give once every three months that kills adult ticks and fleas and BravectoONE, which is a chewable tablet that is safe for puppies that lasts only one month and does the same. Please call us to discuss the best prevention for your pet’s lifestyle.
What are the treatment options for dogs who have ticks?
Bravecto is the recommended tick treatment available at Manitou. This product begins killing ticks within 4 hours. Completely removing the tick manually with a tick twister or tweezers is important as well. You can do this easily at home but we also offer tick removal by a technician if you are at all uncomfortable. (We get it, they are gross!)
