How to get rid of ticks and fleas on a dog? - briefly
Use a veterinarian‑approved topical or oral parasite treatment together with a flea‑kill shampoo and treat the home with an appropriate insecticide spray or fogger. Inspect the coat daily, remove attached parasites with tweezers, and repeat the regimen according to the product instructions.
How to get rid of ticks and fleas on a dog? - in detail
Ticks and fleas pose health risks to canines, including anemia, skin irritation, and transmission of diseases. Immediate action reduces discomfort and prevents infestation spread.
Inspection and manual removal
- Examine the coat daily, focusing on the neck, ears, armpits, and tail base.
- Use fine‑toothed flea combs to capture adult fleas and their eggs.
- For ticks, grasp the head with tweezers or a tick‑removal tool, pull straight upward with steady pressure, and avoid crushing the body.
- Disinfect the bite site with a mild antiseptic after removal.
Chemical interventions
- Apply spot‑on products containing fipronil, imidacloprid, or selamectin to the mid‑neck area; these spread across the skin and kill parasites for up to a month.
- Administer oral medications such as afoxolaner, fluralaner, or sarolaner; these provide systemic protection lasting from one to three months.
- Use insecticidal collars impregnated with deltamethrin or flumethrin for continuous protection, typically effective for eight weeks.
- Follow label instructions regarding dosage, weight limits, and re‑application intervals.
Environmental control
- Wash bedding, blankets, and toys in hot water (≥60 °C) weekly.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and pet areas daily; discard vacuum bags or clean canisters promptly.
- Treat the home with an EPA‑registered spray or fogger targeting flea larvae and ticks; repeat according to product guidelines (often every two weeks for several months).
- Maintain yard hygiene by trimming grass, removing leaf litter, and applying a pet‑safe perimeter spray if ticks are prevalent.
Preventive schedule
- Begin a regular treatment regimen before the start of the warm season; maintain it year‑round in regions with mild winters.
- Rotate products annually to mitigate resistance development, alternating between topical, oral, and collar options when appropriate.
- Schedule veterinary check‑ups every three to six months to monitor parasite load and adjust protocols based on local prevalence data.
Consistent monitoring, appropriate pharmacologic agents, and a clean environment together eliminate existing infestations and sustain long‑term protection for the dog.