What's in a mane? Fleas & Ticks in your Dog

Soft, dense and warm, dogs’ coats are a welcoming home for fleas and ticks. These pesky pests feed on your dog’s blood, can carry and transmit disease, cause allergic reactions or serious illness. While common in the warmer months, your dog can fall suspect to fleas and ticks all year round, and you can take steps to ward them off year round.

FLEAS

You may spot small dark specks of flea droppings or small white specks of eggs in your dog’s fur, your dog may start scratching or licking more than usual or excessively, or you may notice some scabs or hot spots on their skin.

Fleas feed from blood, and an excessive loss of blood from a flea infestation can cause anemia as the number of red blood cells drops - look for pale gums or a lack of energy as a signal your dog may be suffering from anemia in this way.

TICKS

Ticks can be felt as you pet your dog, small hard lumps that usually occur around the head, neck, ears, paws or between toes. Ticks can also carry diseases, and should be removed swiftly, but carefully.

Removal is not so simple as plucking them out, and care must be taken not to pop or squeeze infected fluids back into your dog through the bite. Your groomer can carefully and properly remove ticks without causing any further harm to your pup.

REMEDIES

There is a gradual movement away from conventional chemical flea and tick treatments dosed out by your vet, as concerns over the long term damages they could be doing to your dog’s body and health grow. Trying a natural remedy can be a safer and equally effective solution, without compromising your dog’s wellbeing.