Fleas and ticks might be small, but they can cause big problems for your pets—and even for you. Regularly checking your dog or cat is essential to keeping them healthy, happy, and comfortable. Don’t worry; it’s simpler than you think, and doing it routinely can prevent potential health issues.
Why Checking for Fleas and Ticks is Important
Fleas and ticks are more than just irritating pests. They can lead to serious health problems for your furry friends.
Fleas can cause itching, skin irritation, and allergic reactions in pets. In severe cases, a heavy flea infestation can lead to anemia, especially in small dogs, puppies, or kittens. They also carry tapeworms, which your pet could ingest during grooming.
Ticks are dangerous because they can carry diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. These illnesses can affect not only your pets but also humans.
Fleas and ticks can also infest your home, hiding in your carpets, bedding, and furniture. Checking your pets regularly is the first line of defense to prevent these pests from spreading.
How to Check Your Dog for Fleas and Ticks
Checking your dog doesn’t have to be a chore. Here’s how you can do it effectively.
For fleas, start by looking for flea dirt, which looks like tiny black specks. Focus on areas like the neck, tail base, belly, and armpits. A helpful trick is to run your hands through their fur and wipe them on a damp paper towel. If the specks turn reddish-brown, it’s flea dirt.
Use your fingers or a flea comb to part the fur and inspect their skin closely. Fleas are quick and can jump, but their dirt is usually a telltale sign.
For ticks, run your hands gently over your dog’s entire body. Pay close attention to areas ticks love, like behind the ears, under the collar, between the toes, and around the tail. If you feel a small, stationary bump, check it closely. Ticks can look like tiny, flat dots or, once engorged, a larger bump.
How to Check Your Cat for Fleas and Ticks
Cats can be a bit trickier to check because they’re not always as cooperative as dogs. The process is similar, but a little patience goes a long way.
Start by examining areas where fleas tend to hide, like the neck and the base of the tail. Use a flea comb to check for both flea dirt and live fleas. This method is gentle and works well for cats that aren’t fans of being handled too much.
Ticks are less common on cats, but outdoor cats are still at risk. During a relaxed moment, feel around their neck, ears, and under the chin for any small bumps. If your cat resists handling, try sneaking in a quick check during petting sessions.
What to Do If You Find Fleas or Ticks
If you find fleas, there’s no need to panic. Start by bathing your pet with a flea shampoo to kill the adult fleas. Apply a topical flea treatment or give them an oral flea medication for ongoing protection. Don’t forget to treat your home by washing bedding, vacuuming carpets and furniture, and using a flea spray or fogger.
If you find a tick, use tweezers or a tick removal tool to gently pull it straight out from the skin. Avoid twisting or squeezing the tick’s body, as this can release harmful bacteria into your pet. Clean the bite site with antiseptic and monitor the area for signs of infection.
Dispose of the tick by placing it in rubbing alcohol or sealing it in a plastic bag before throwing it away.
Prevention is Your Best Friend
The best way to deal with fleas and ticks is to prevent them altogether. Consider using flea collars, topical treatments, or monthly chewable pills to protect your pets year-round. Regular grooming and frequent checks are also key to catching any issues early.
At The Wright Pet Daycamp & Boarding LLC, our professional staff is always on the lookout for fleas and ticks. If we find these pests, the pet is immediately isolated to prevent spread to our other day campers or overnight guests. We let owners know upon pick-up if we find anything so that they can take immediate action. Contact The Wright Pet to find out more about our boarding and daycare services.
