IS YOUR DOG A TICK MAGNET?

If you haven’t already started gathering your arsenal of tick and flea repellents and heart worm preventatives, now is the time. The most important thing to know is that not all tick and flea products prevent the ticks from landing on and attacking your dog. Some repel ticks and fleas and some kill the ticks and fleas within 18-24 hours of coming into contact with your dog.

Here is a sample of available products and what their claim to fame is:

TICKS and FLEAS:

K9 Advantix: applied monthly directly to the skin; waterproof.

Repels and Kills Ticks, Fleas and Mosquitoes; Repels biting Flies; Kills Chewing Lice.

No Prescription Required

Frontline

Applied monthly directly to the skin.

Kills Ticks, Fleas and Chewing Lice after biting.

DOES NOT REPEL any of the above.

No Prescription Required

Bravecto

Oral chew lasting up to 12 weeks.

When fleas and ticks feed on your dog, they ingest Bravecto and die.

DOES NOT REPEL any of the above.

Prescription Required

What do I think about Tick and Flea Collars? I strongly recommend using products recommended exclusively by your vet and not chemicals sold over the counter by random companies that have not established themselves in the marketplace as time tested. I do not use Tick and Flea Collars on my own canine family nor do I recommend them due to possible irritation and infection where the collar comes in contact with your dog’s neck. In addition, I would not recommend them to families with children for the obvious reason that you do not want your child to make contact with the collar. As with all products, check with your veterinarian before usage.

Check for ticks as often as possible, especially after an exposure to wooded areas. You can actually teach your dog that “Tick Check” is part of the ritual of taking a walk. Run your finger through your dog’s coat and feel for anything that just doesn’t belong there. Another good way to get a visual of your dog’s skin is to use a hair blower set on cool or low and blow the coat into parts exposing the skin. If you find a tick imbedded in your dog’s skin, proper removal is very important. If you’re not sure, let a vet or vet tech assist you. Research the Internet or get printed info to identify the tick and the diseases it may carry. If you notice lethargic behavior or difficulty walking, jumping, limping or suspect Lyme’s or other tick-associated diseases, consult your veterinarian immediately as early detection is really important. Enveloping the tick in some scotch tape or a zip-lock bag and having it analyzed may be helpful, if you decide to bring your dog to the veterinarian after removing the tick yourself.

HEARTWORM:

Heartworm is another threat to your dog but is contracted from mosquitoes. The good news is; a simple blood test can detect Heartworm disease and seasonal or year-round preventatives are available.

Heartgard Plus

Chewable; use monthly to prevent Heartworm disease.

Treats and controls hookworms and roundworms.

Prescription required

Interceptor

Once a month tablet use monthly to prevent heartworms

Helps to control hookworms.

Removes and controls roundworms and whipworms.

Prescription required.

Revolution

Liquid medication applied topically to the skin monthly.

Prevents heartworm disease.

Kills fleas and American Dog Ticks.

Treats and controls ear mites.

Prescription required. 

Advantage Multi

Liquid medication applied topically to the skin monthly.

Prevents heartworm disease.

Kills fleas.

Treats and controls roundworms, hookworms and whipworms.

Prescription required.

*If you have a Collie or Herding dog, or mixed breed that is part Collie or Herding dog, please consult with your veterinarian before using any Flee, Tick  or Heartworm  medication.

Many families choose to shave their heavy-coated and long-haired dogs during the summer months. Though the look may not be desirable, and shaving a full coat dog is extreme and may be stressful to your dog,  a “puppy cut” can help you detect and ward off most of your dog’s summertime assailants. Professional grooming should be done more often in the summer for many reasons but tick detection is on the top of the list.

Prevention can save your dog’s life.Our dogs add a tremendous amount of joy during the summer playtime months so please give them the love and care they deserve.

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