Flea and tick control

Symptoms that pets present when they have been bitten by a tick

Would you know how to identify a tick? It's important that you can recognize them physically. They are the size of a lentil, they do not jump, and they move very agilely. They are difficult to see in nature because they blend in with the surroundings.

As for the symptoms your pet might present when it has ticks, they are as follows:

• Loss of appetite.

• Lethargy.

• Fever.

• Swelling of lymph nodes

• Limping.

• Nasal bleeding.

Symptoms that pets present when they have been bitten by a flea

What about fleas? Are you sure you know what they look like? They are much smaller than ticks, flat, and elongated in shape. They jump a lot and move very quickly on the skin. And the symptoms that pets with fleas present are:

• Itching.

• Skin irritation and rashes.

• Wounds and eczema on the skin.

• Presence of flea dirt in the fur.

How to remove fleas or ticks from my pet?

• Bath with flea and tick shampoo: Use a shampoo specially formulated to eliminate fleas and ticks. Make sure to follow the product instructions and lather your dog well, paying special attention to areas where these parasites typically reside, such as around the neck, ears, and base of the tail.

• Use of antiparasitic products: Apply a topical or oral flea and tick treatment as directed by your veterinarian. These products are usually effective in killing and preventing flea and tick infestations for several weeks.

• Comb with a special flea comb: Use a flea and tick comb to manually remove parasites from your dog's coat. Comb against the direction of hair growth to trap and remove fleas and ticks. Make sure to dispose of captured parasites properly.

• Environmental cleanup: Wash your dog's bedding, vacuum and clean furniture and carpets regularly, and trim grass to reduce the presence of fleas and ticks in your home environment.

• Consult your veterinarian: If the flea or tick infestation persists or if your dog shows signs of illness, consult your veterinarian. They may recommend additional treatments or medications to help control the problem.

Remember, prevention is key to avoiding future infestations. Talk to your veterinarian about suitable antiparasitic products for your dog and maintain a regular schedule of preventive treatment.

How do fleas and ticks affect the health of dogs and cats?

You should not underestimate the harm these parasites can cause. In addition to irritations from their bites, by feeding on blood, they are responsible for transmitting diseases such as:

• Allergic dermatitis.

• Dog tapeworm.

• Lyme disease.

• Bartonellosis.

• And can cause health problems such as anemia, among others.

In the case of ticks, the risk of disease transmission occurs mainly during the first 48 hours after the tick has attached to the animal's skin. Some diseases can be deadly.

Tips and recommendations to prevent fleas and ticks

In addition to using the most appropriate combination of antiparasitic treatments, pay attention to these basic tips that help prevent the appearance of these parasites:

• Checking your pet's fur regularly. Especially in spring and summer when ticks and fleas are most active.

• Maintaining proper hygiene. Regular grooming and bathing with anti-parasitic shampoo.

• Disinfecting their kennel. If your dog often takes naps in the garden, it's important, especially in warmer months, to keep their kennel disinfected.

• Frequently washing your dog's bedding. This is important to prevent them from settling there or laying eggs.

• Keeping your house clean. Regularly vacuuming carpets and underneath furniture throughout the home adds to overall pet and family prevention.

• Not forcibly removing the tick. If you find a tick on your pet, it's not advisable to forcibly remove it, as this only removes part of the body, leaving the rest of the parasite attached to the dog, which can lead to infections.