Pesky parasites like ticks and fleas are out for blood! They live on your pet and might cause skin diseases. These irritating parasites might also cause systemic (whole-body) diseases by transmitting protozoa and bacteria to your pet’s vital organs, causing dangerous diseases to your furry family member. Danforth Animal Hospital in Edmond, OK, serving the Oklahoma City area, can help treat flea and tick issues while also preventing future infestations. Read on to learn how to identify ticks and fleas on your pet and how our vet can help.
Identifying Ticks on Your Puppy
If left untreated, ticks and fleas can become a potential health issue and a serious nuisance for your pup. Ticks feed on your puppy’s blood by using tiny but sharp teeth to stick themselves firmly on the dog’s skin. They can spread blood-borne diseases because they also penetrate the bloodstream.
The adult tick is about 4mm and might be visible. The larvae and nymphs are half that size and can be difficult to see. Ticks might cause bruises and welts on puppies around the bitten part. It’s also common to find the tick still embedded.
It would be best to consult our veterinarian if you suspect ticks infestation. There are various cures for ticks on dogs, but it’s important to ensure the method you choose is effective and safe.
How to Identify Fleas on Your Puppy
Fleas cause your pet to scratch. Too much scratching leads to skin infection, and fleas lead to the spread of various illnesses. Fleas might be difficult to detect because they’re only about 2mm in length. However, there are various ways to check for fleas on your puppy:
- • The fleas might appear brown or red.
- • If you spot a moving speck, it's probably a flea.
- • Look for irritated, red skin on your puppy’s belly, hindquarters, or neck.
- • Comb your pup’s hair from back to front to get a clear look at their skin.
Clean Your Home
Flea eggs might stay alive in your home, especially in winter. Keep your home clean by routinely cleaning your puppy’s bedding and other areas of your home like curtains, carpets, and couches. This ensures that you remove flea eggs before they hatch and cause an issue. Moreover, ensure you dispose of the vacuum bag properly since flea eggs might hatch and multiply after being vacuumed.
Contact Danforth Animal Hospital in Oklahoma City for Flea and Tick Prevention
If your puppy is showing symptoms of ticks and fleas infestation, like itching, we recommend scheduling an appointment with our vet at Danforth Animal Hospital in Edmond, OK, serving the Oklahoma City area. We will treat your pet and guide you on flea and tick prevention. Call us today at (405) 340-1020 for more information or to schedule an appointment with our veterinarian.