Facts About Fleas and Ticks

There is no bigger pain on the planet than fleas and ticks – and that’s coming from someone who encounters bad drivers every morning. But, as a fellow pet owner, fleas and ticks take the cake.

What Are Fleas and Ticks?

Fleas are small insects that latch onto your pet. They can find a home on your pet during a walk outside, or even in your home – fleas attach themselves to socks and shoes. Yikes!

When fleas cozy up in your pet’s fur, they feed on blood. They’re mini vampires in this sense. After a while, they’ll look to mate – the females lay eggs, which can fall off your pet and into your home and yard.

Ticks, much like fleas, attach themselves to the pet’s body as well. They’re bloodsuckers as too, capable of transmitting diseases when they bite. The problem, though, is that ticks are subtler about they’re invasion – releasing an anesthetic so the victim doesn’t feel a thing.

Detecting Fleas and Ticks

Fleas tend to leave little dark brown flecks, which can be found combing through your pet’s skin. This coupled with constant scratching is a sure fire sign your pet has a case of the itchy-crawly’s.

When looking for ticks, run your hand along your pet’s body. If you feel a tiny lump or bump, stop and look at it. If the bump is red, almost like a blood blubble, it’s a tick.

Flea and Tick Prevention

While it’s true that fleas and ticks are more prevalent in the summer months, thriving in temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees, they can linger indoors during the winter months. This is why it’s good to find a year-round preventative product for your pets. But remember, these products are different for cats and dogs (some dog treatments are toxic to cats, and vice-versa). Visit your veterinarian for more details.

Yes, Your Dog CAN Get a Sunburn!

Summer’s officially here. That means sunny days, lemonade and trips to the ballpark. For your dog, it may also mean getting sunburnt. That’s right, animals can get sunburns as well.

Does My Dog Need Sunscreen?

If your dog is going to be outdoors for a prolonged period of time, yes, he or she needs sunscreen. Dogs with light skin and white fur/hair are the most susceptible to sunburn. According to Richard Goldstein, chief medical officer of the Animal Medical Center in New York City, “A dog’s skin can be damaged by the sun just like our own skin, so they require the same protection against the development of sunburn and skin cancer.”

Sun exposure is at its highest during early morning (10 am) to late-afternoon (4 pm). If your dog finds themselves outside for a significant duration of time during this period, note that you should reapply sunscreen to the sensitive areas – nose, around the lips, tips of the ears, the groin and the belly.

What Kind of Sunscreen Should I Use?

The recommended sunscreen for dogs is sunscreen that is designated for dog use. Such sunscreens don’t pose a health risk to your dog. However, if dog sunscreen isn’t available, a broad-spectrum sunscreen for babies and children (SPF 15 or higher) can be used. Just note, if going the broad-spectrum route, to check the label for the following two ingredients: zinc oxide and para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA).  Both of these are toxic for dogs. You must use a broad-spectrum sunblock that does not contain these ingredients.