You can control your dog's exposure to parasites.
Fleas, ticks and mosquitoes are regular nuisances for most dog owners. They can cause itching, excessive scratching and skin damage. These parasites also carry diseases that are easily spread. There are conventional, natural and environmental preventatives that aid in controlling your dog's exposure to fleas, ticks and mosquitoes.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are a serious problem for dogs. They can transmit various diseases and worms in a single bite. There are several ways to reduce your dog's exposure to mosquitoes and the worms they carry. Some flea and tick topical treatments, such as Frontline or K9 Advantix, include ingredients that repel mosquitoes and kill the worms they transmit. These treatments are generally applied once a month directly to your pet's skin. In addition to applying topical treatments, environmental adjustments are necessary. Mosquitoes are most active at dawn, early evening and night. Keep your pet inside during these times if possible. Also, mosquitoes use standing areas of water as breeding grounds. Pour out water that collects in pots and containers in your yard after it rains. Change the water in outdoor pet bowls several times daily to prevent mosquitoes from laying their eggs there.
Fleas and Ticks
To repel and kill fleas and ticks, apply a topical preventative, such as Advantage or Revolution, once a month. Most topical solutions kill fleas and ticks in their larvae stages. This deters an infestation before it can start. If natural treatments are a preference, there are homeopathic methods for controlling fleas and ticks. Fleas do not like the smell or taste of garlic. Mixing a small amount of garlic into your dog's food daily can make his blood unpalatable to fleas. Brewer's yeast, a natural supplement, is also a flea repellent that can be combined with garlic. Other natural flea repellents include sulfur, black walnut hulls and vinegar. To be sure of dosage and side effects, check with your veterinarian before administering any natural treatments to your pet.
Outside Prevention
To control fleas, ticks and mosquitoes outside, maintain your home's surroundings. Remove litter, brush and tall grass from your yard. Use wood chips to separate recreational areas from wooded areas. Chemical agents sprayed directly on bushes, trees and the lawn can keep parasites from populating your dog's environment. There are special pesticides for outside areas which can be applied by you or a professional pest control company. To prevent poisoning, keep your dog away from any treated yard areas until the chemicals are completely dry.
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