Living in the Northwest everyone thinks that their dog won’t get fleas, ticks or worse. Not true. Many dogs can get them in their own yard or on walks in your neighborhood. If you have ever had a bad flea problem you will do anything to get rid of them. A friend of mine rented an infested home. The fleas were so thick within minutes of entering the room you had at least fifty of the critters crawling and biting you. It was the worst infestation the exterminator ever saw, what a nightmare. Pets can get a number of little buggers. Fleas, ticks, lice and worms are the most common. You should be treating your pets for these on a regular basis. Remember some can spread to humans.
There is tons of different treatments on the market. They have so many on the market it can be confusing. From the pill form you get at the vets to herbal shampoos or drops, you name it, it’s out there. Even the old flea collar has been upgraded these days. Some products work great on some pets but not all. Remember most are a pesticide and they all have side effects in some pets, or humans in some severe cases. Some could cause vomiting, itching, swelling, decreased appetite, lethargy, diarrhea, cough, skin redness, hyperactivity and even seizures can occur. Not all treatments are not recommended for smaller pets, puppies or breeding females. Always check the side effects for every product you use. See your vet if your dog has any reactions to them.
Ticks can be brought in by a walk on a trail, grass or parks. You can bring them home on your camping items too. It is a good idea to check your pet on a regular basis for bugs. Some dogs can be allergic to bug bites and can lose hair or develop rashes, and even one flea bite can effect them for life. It is best to check out your furry friends regularly. Mine get checked every two weeks or when we get back from walks.
If you have a flea or tick infestation you must treat the pets, home and yard all at the same time. Once may not be enough. Newly-hatched eggs can re-infest if not treated every 3-4 weeks. The bedding and areas your pets lay should be washed and closely monitored as well. This may take several doses. The cheaper products don’t always work. Ask your vet and remember that not all pesticides are safe to humans or pets. I use the K-9 drops which repel and kill ticks, fleas, mosquitoes, lice and flies, plus the drops can be used on little dogs and puppies. It can be costly but I think my pets and my peace of mind is worth it. When treating your pet please seek vet advice for the best preventative measure as I am not a vet. Let’s try to keep our pets happy and keep those buggers at bay.
Carole Bigwood
My name is Carole Bigwood I am an avid animal lover. Avid animal lover of all shapes and sizes. I am the one who breaks for a squirrel or stops to save a lost pet. Yep, I have a leash and treats on me at all times. I can't wait to share some great rescue stories and some need to know health and safety tips for pets. Some of you may have seen one of my fashion shows for rescues I have every year. For years now I have been designing fashions for pets at www.wildchildpetfashions.com. My runway models are from local rescues and a few special guest pets. Always striving to make them as cute as can be so they will find a family of their own. My reward is to learn how many found homes afterwards. We have some great rescues in the NW. Being raised around pets livestock and little critters has given me a challenge that is rewarding to say the least. My genuine love of animals, has given me a vast knowledge of everything pet related. While my focus will be pet health related and rescues in our area, I look forward to sharing stories and articles on health and rescues that may come in handy. Making a the world a safe place for animals and humans alike. Looking forward to sharing my stories with fellow animal lovers everywhere.