4 tips to manage flea and tick infestation in dogs

4 tips to manage flea and tick infestation in dogs

Dogs get affected with fleas or ticks due to spending time on grassy trails, lush parks, or moist areas. And these pests can cause itching and skin damage if not controlled in time. Flea and ticks leave eggs and larvae on the coat, which can be challenging to eradicate. They can also lead to Lyme disease and other debilitating conditions. Following are tips to manage flea and tick infestation in dogs:

Consider the following treatment options

Bravecto chew
Bravecto chew is a chewable treatment option that you can administer along with your dog’s food. It contains fluralaner, an active ingredient that spreads quickly through the dog’s tissues and the skin. Fleas and ticks in the coat ingest minute amounts of fluralaner, which affects their central nervous system, killing them within 12 hours. One dose of Bravecto is effective for about 12 weeks. If your dog is sensitive to the treatment option and vomits within three hours of ingestion, contact your vet, as it may be less impactful in killing the ticks and fleas. Bravecto is also effective in preventing heartworms and intestinal worms.

Simparica
This prescription treatment option is ideal for dogs over six months and can be administered monthly. Consult your vet for the dosage; do not overdo for faster impact. Simparica contains sarolaner, which effectively controls multiple fleas and tick infestation. You must ensure that your pet consumes the dose completely for maximum impact. Though this option prevents and stays effective for four weeks, it may cause side effects in pregnant, lactating, or breeding dogs and those with neurological issues. Regular use of Simparica can also prevent heartworm disease in dogs.

Advantix
Advantix is a water-resistant, spot-on topical formulation that treats multiple infestations, including fleas and ticks. It is suitable for puppies (seven weeks) and adult dogs. The contents of the package are administered in one spot for dogs less than 25 kgs and three spots for more than 25 kg. The application continues to remain effective even if your dog gets wet. Your vet may suggest the frequency of application based on the type of tick or flea infestation and the severity of the condition. Make sure you bathe and dry them before using Advantix. You can repeat the process after two weeks of application.

In addition to these tips, you can also consider the following information to manage flea and tick infestation in dogs:

Use a flea comb
Though a good bath can remove most of the adult fleas and ticks, young ones and eggs may remain in the skin, mainly in their shoulder blades, between the back legs, and around the neck area. Flea and tick eggs may drop from their fur as they generally do not stick to the skin. Since most dogs enjoy grooming, brush your dog with a pet-friendly tooth comb or a flea comb to isolate and remove the young ones. Collect them in a soap water mixture to prevent re-infestation.

Give them regular showers
Once you spot a flea or a tick in your pet’s coat, immediately bathe them. Use lukewarm water and mild soap to remove the fleas and ticks from their fur and skin. Use a soft towel to dry them without irritating their skin. Check with your veterinarian before choosing the right shampoo or soap. Rinse them thoroughly and ensure that you do not leave any shampoo or soap residue. Repeat the process every one to two weeks, depending on the intensity of the infestation. You can use tick or flea powder a couple of days before the bath. If you use anti-tick oil, gently massage it into their skin before a bath.

Keep your house and surroundings clean
New dog parents may assume bathing and brushing are adequate for managing the infestation. But ticks and fleas may remain in and around your pet’s bedding and resting places. They can also crawl and station themselves between tiles, door or window hinges, under furniture, carpets, upholstery, and curtains. They can crawl back onto your dogs once the effect of the bath or the impact of the anti-tick or flea products wears off. Hence, clean the areas your dogs frequent and their mats and beddings regularly. Use sprays that are non-toxic for them and your family. Continue to clean your house until you see no signs of ticks in your home.

Ticks and fleas do not limit themselves to the house; they can be found outdoors too. If you notice a flea or tick around the yard, you must start cleaning it. Ensure that your yard or lawns are not too moist, as fleas and ticks thrive in these damp areas. Remove dry leaves and trash, wood piles, excessive foliage, and tall grass as full-grown fleas and ticks may breed and lay eggs. Cedar naturally repels fleas and ticks, so you can mulch your dog’s resting areas. Treat your lawn with non-toxic pesticides for any pest infestation.

If your dog still suffers from the effects of ticks and fleas, it is recommended to consult a vet for effective support in treating them. Ignoring the condition may lead to further complications.

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7 human foods that dogs can safely enjoy

Dogs belong to the Canis lupus familiaris species, and their digestive systems differ from humans. Since they have different digestive systems, their nutritional needs vary too. Many dog food brands are available on the market with uniquely formulated treats that should be a part of your pet's daily food plan. However, once in a while, it is safe to offer them one of these seven human foods from your plate. Carrots Carrots have several health benefits for dogs. Chewing them helps maintain their dental health by removing plaque from the teeth. Carrots are also a good source of vitamin A, which is excellent for strengthening your puppy's immune system, skin, and coat. Further, they have potassium, fiber, and other essential nutrients. Apples Apples are a great source of vitamins A and C. They are also a healthy source of fiber, which can help regulate your pet's digestive system. However, you must keep your furry friend away from rotting apples, which can lead to food poisoning and, consequently, symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting. White rice Giving your dog white rice is an excellent idea if they have an upset stomach. It is easy to digest and can help bind their stool. However, like in humans, rice can lead to a rise in blood sugar levels, so dogs with diabetes should be given this food in small amounts. Fish Fish like salmon, shrimp, and tuna are great protein sources for your puppy. Salmon and tuna, in particular, are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help keep their immune system, coat, and skin healthy. The vitamin B in shrimp helps maintain a dog's digestive system and improves blood circulation. While these fish are safe, remember to cook them properly before serving, as raw or uncooked fish may have harmful parasites. Chicken Plain boiled chicken is an excellent option for your puppy, especially during episodes of an upset stomach. Chicken is also one of the most common ingredients in dog food as it is rich in protein, which is essential for overall health. You can feed your dog cooked chicken as is or mix it with regular food. But do not feed raw chicken as it can carry harmful bacteria like Salmonella. Pork Cooked unseasoned pork is safe for pets in small amounts. Since pork has a high fat content, it can be challenging for some dogs to digest and cause inflammation and pancreatitis. So, it is best to offer them pork in limited quantities. Do not feed bacon or ham as their salt contents are high. Dairy products Dairy products like milk, cheese, and plain yogurt are safe if fed in small amounts. Too much dairy can lead to digestive problems, as dogs have low lactase levels, the digestive enzyme that breaks down the sugar lactose found in dairy products. Pets with lactose intolerance should avoid dairy products altogether. Signs of lactose intolerance include diarrhea or vomiting. Visit a vet if your pup shows these symptoms after enjoying any dairy product. While human foods can be fed occasionally, dogs must get their nutrition from quality dog foods. It is crucial to choose the correct option based on your pet's age, breed, and nutritional requirements. Blue Buffalo and Purina offer personalized food solutions with a collection of meat-rich, natural nutrition, limited-ingredient, and grain-free formulas. Hill's offers scientific and well-balanced recipes for dogs of all ages. NUTRO™ has various flavors, like chicken, lamb, fish, and duck, ensuring your dog enjoys every bite. Royal Canin is known for a great range of wet and dry foods for common breeds of puppies and adult dogs. They also have unique formulas for special needs like digestive support, urinary support, and oral hygiene.

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Top 5 human foods that are also safe for dogs

If you own a pet, you know that every time you eat, your dog sits right next to you in hopes that you'll share your food. Human food can be safe for dogs if it doesn't contain toxins. Every pet owner must know which food is and isn't suitable for your furry friend. This way, you can feed your dog the right foods. Here are some foods you can share with your dogs without hesitation: Fish Just like omega-3 fatty acids benefits humans, it can also help dogs fight inflammation. Fish is also an alternative source of protein for dogs that may be allergic to red meat. Ensure that you cook it well without too much oil and seasoning. Raw fish may contain salmonella and listeria, causing infection for the dog and your family. Clean and pick the bones well before serving them. Fish bones are risky for dogs, as they can lodge in their mouth, throat, and intestines or perforate their organ walls. Choose fish that have lower mercury levels. Ideal fish for dogs include tuna, whitefish, cod, and whiting. Meat Meat is a natural dog-friendly food, as they are carnivores. If you are preparing the meat at home, choose lean ground beef, chuck steak, chicken, turkey, or roast. Ensure that meat is not undercooked or even undercooked. Some dogs may prefer pork and lamb. You can try and observe their preferences and keep changing the meat frequently so that they get to taste different types of meat and simultaneously get a good supply of protein. Beans Beans are an excellent source of protein and fiber. However, soak them well before cooking, as they can be challenging to prepare. Undercooked or raw beans can cause indigestion, gas, and bloating. If you raise your dog as a vegetarian, consult the vet for their daily dose, as a healthy dose of beans may not replace the nutritional needs that meat can supply. Beans like black beans, soybeans, edamame, lima beans, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, and pinto beans are safe for dogs. If you have access to green beans, you can also serve them fresh or cooked. You can flash freeze fresh green beans when in season and serve them when required by thawing them in a microwave. Sweet potatoes Sweet potatoes contain multiple beneficial nutrients for your dog, including beta carotene, fiber, and vitamins. You can roast or bake them to make delicious sweet potato treats. However, do not feed them raw sweet potatoes as they are difficult to chew. Your dog may end up swallowing big chunks of sweet potato that can choke them and cause blocks in their intestine. Raw sweet potatoes can also cause indigestion. Rice You can serve your pet dog rice whenever it is part of your household menu. Dogs relish rice, and you can combine it with their favorite meat or vegetable. Avoid rice only if your pup or dog is overweight, as rice is rich in carbs. Cook the rice well in water and avoid seasoning or spices. Start with small quantities of white rice initially. Then, increase the amount if they like it and don't gain additional weight. While feeding them rice, ensure you combine protein, fiber, and nutrient-rich food so the meal is well-balanced. Besides these human foods that are safe for dogs, your pets can also have packaged dog food. These options are nutritious and well-balanced.   Royal Canin Royal Canin has been making pet food since 1968, based on a scientific understanding of the health and nutrition of pets. Their food products meet the safety standards of the Association of American Feed Control (AAFCO). They use the heart, liver, lungs, corn, wheat, poultry, and other vital nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA). Natural Balance Natural Balance is a pioneer in the limited ingredient food category for pets. Their specialty ingredients include sweet potatoes, garbanzo beans, green peas, brown rice, oats, venison, lamb, buffalo, bison, duck, salmon, fatty acid oils, and flax seeds. They also have a limited ingredient meal plan for dogs with digestive issues. They test every batch of food they produce and display the results on the website. You can check for the quality of the bag you buy to confirm that your bag is toxin-free. Nutro Nutro has been a natural dog food maker for about 90 years and uses trusted produce to make dry and wet food and treats for dogs and cats. They have about seven meat product flavors and four sublines: Natural Choice, So Simple, Nutro, Ultra, and a Limited Ingredient Diet. You can choose from the various sublines and flavors based on your dog's food preferences and size. A dog has about 1,700 taste buds, and Nutro's products cater to their tastes, combining them with the required quantities of proteins, fats, and carbs. Just Right Just Right is a pet food company that allows you to choose the right blend of foods for your pet, depending on their health. Their in-house pet experts guide you in selecting the right food and creating a meal plan. Once you make your payment, the blend you choose is delivered to you every month. You even have the option to print your dog's photo on the package along with custom feeding amounts and instructions.

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