Fleas, ticks and worms, oh my! Protect your dog from all the creepy crawlies this year

    

As Memorial Day ushers in the unofficial start of summer, it's time to gear up for outdoor fun with your dog! However, along with the warm weather and outdoor adventures come the dreaded pests: fleas, ticks and worms. These creepy crawlies can wreak havoc on your dog's health and comfort, but with the right precautions, you can keep them at bay and ensure a safe and enjoyable summer season for your canine companion.

 

 

Fleas: Tiny pests, big problems

Fleas are more than just a nuisance. They can cause severe itching, skin allergies and even transmit diseases to your dog. These tiny parasites thrive in warm, humid environments, making summer the perfect breeding ground. To protect your dog from fleas:

• Use a veterinarian-recommended flea preventative year-round.
• Regularly groom and check your dog for signs of fleas, such as excessive scratching or tiny black specks (flea dirt) on their fur.
• Wash your dog's bedding and vacuum your home frequently to eliminate flea eggs and larvae.

Ticks: Not just annoying, they can transmit disease

Ticks are not only irritating but also carry a host of diseases, including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. These blood-sucking parasites latch onto your dog while they're exploring outdoors, so it's essential to take preventive measures:

• Use a tick preventive recommended by your veterinarian.
• Check your dog for ticks after outdoor activities, paying close attention to their ears, neck and between their toes.
• Remove any ticks promptly. Use tweezers to grasp the tick close to the skin and pull it straight out with steady pressure.
• Schedule yearly visits where your veterinarian can perform blood tests to screen for tick-borne disease.

Worms: Silent invaders

Intestinal worms like roundworms, hookworms and tapeworms can cause serious health issues in dogs, including weight loss, diarrhea and anemia. These parasites can be contracted through contaminated soil, water or infected prey. Even if you don’t see worms in your dog’s feces, it may contain microscopic worm eggs that can cause infection in people. 

These preventive measures are crucial:

• Ensure your dog is on a regular deworming schedule as recommended by your veterinarian.
• Keep your dog away from areas where other animals defecate, as these may be contaminated with worm eggs.
• Dispose of your dog's feces promptly and regularly to prevent the spread of worm eggs in your yard.
• Discourage your dog from hunting and ingesting rodents, and use rodent control measures in your home and yard.
• Schedule regular fecal tests with your veterinarian to test for intestinal parasites.

Heartworms, transmitted by infected mosquitoes, grow and lodge in an infected pet’s heart, lungs and pulmonary arteries, where they cause illness—and even death. To reduce the risk:

• Repair window screens. Mosquitoes can sneak into your home through small breaks in screens. 
• Remove standing water from your yard to reduce mosquito populations.
• Keep your dog on year-round heartworm preventives.

Don't let fleas, ticks and worms put a damper on the fun this summer! By following these preventive measures and staying vigilant, you can protect your dog from these pesky parasites and enjoy a season filled with outdoor exploration and quality time together.

Speak to your veterinarian about the best flea, tick, heartworm and internal parasite preventives to protect your dog year-round.

Find everything you need to protect your dog against parasites so you can enjoy the things you love to do together, worry-free. >>

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