Protect Your Dogs Against Ticks and Fleas this Summer

According to the Australian National Kennel Council, this summer is set to be a horrendous tick and flea season. Extremes in weather conditions have resulted in perfect breeding grounds for the little parasites, which is bad news for dog owners, particularly those who live in or near the bush.

While flea infestations can be worrying for you and extremely uncomfortable for your dog, it is ticks that are particularly problematic. Tick paralysis can have deadly consequences, so a thorough daily examination of your dog is essential.

What to look for
• Ticks are blue-grey in colour and 3-10mm in length;
• They are generally found around the head and neck, but can sometimes attach themselves in less obvious areas, including between toes and inside ears;
• Ticks inject toxins as they feed, causing paralysis. Early warning signs include vomiting and a visible weakness when standing and walking. Advanced signs (and symptoms progress at a faster rate in hot weather) are rapid panting as a dog overheats and collapsing on the hind legs.

Dr Peter Higgins from the Australian National Kennel Council says ‘dog owners must contact their vet as soon as a tick is found to make sure the toxin can be neutralised.

‘It is best to feel for a tick, NOT look for one. If owners do find a tick, NEVER apply metho or turps to the area as this will cause the tick to inject all its venom at once. Instead, remove it with a small pair of scissors and then get to the vet ASAP,’ Dr Higgins advises.

As with most things, prevention is better than cure where ticks are concerned. See your veterinarian for a product like Advantix. Specifically designed for dogs, it not only kills ticks, but actively repels them, so they drop off before having a chance to bite or attach themselves to your dog.

Beating the biters
Fleas thrive in the summer months, causing severe skin problems and scratching, and even blood loss in smaller dogs and puppies. They are commonly found at the base of the tail, although they also like areas around the neck, ears and legs. Even if the fleas themselves aren’t visible, small black specks of digested blood may indicate a flea infestation. Female fleas can produce dozens of eggs a day, so a small problem can quickly become an infestation.

Advantix is equally effective against fleas, killing 98-100 per cent of fleas on your dog within 12 hours of application.

Feature Image by: Island-Life