Unseen Invaders: Protecting Your Dog from Fleas and Ticks Year-Round

What to Do When Your Dog Has Fleas?

Not to worry! This article will give you all the information about fleas and ticks. Here are a few ways to identify and treat your pet dog for fleas:

How to Identify Fleas

  • Scratching or biting around the base of the tail.
  • Some dogs are allergic to flea saliva — even one flea bite can cause itching and severe skin reactions.
  • Sometimes female fleas lay eggs directly in your dog’s fur. These eggs may fall, making your home a breeding ground.

Did you know? Fleas can start laying eggs within 24 to 48 hours of their first blood meal!

Ticks: More Than Just a Nuisance

  • Ticks lay thousands of eggs (yes, up to 18,000!) in sheltered spots close to the ground.
  • When these eggs hatch, “seed ticks” climb onto tall grass, waiting to latch onto your dog.
  • Once attached, ticks feed on blood, causing painful bumps and potentially spreading dangerous diseases like Lyme disease or ehrlichiosis.

How to Fight Back: Flea & Tick Control Tips

Getting rid of fleas and ticks takes more than just treating your dog — it means tackling the entire environment.

  • Treat All Pets: If one pet has fleas or ticks, chances are others might too — even if they’re not showing symptoms yet.
  • Clean the Environment: Vacuum thoroughly before using any insecticides — especially under furniture, along baseboards, and near pet bedding.
  • Wash all pet bedding in hot water regularly.

Use the Right Products

There are two main types of flea and tick control products:

  • Adulticides: Kill adult fleas and ticks.
  • IGRs/IDIs (Insect Growth Regulators/Inhibitors): Stop flea or tick eggs and larvae from developing.

Additional Tips

  • Flea and tick prevention isn’t a one-time thing — it’s a year-round commitment, especially if your dog plays outside or visits other pets.
  • Your vet can recommend the safest and most effective products based on your dog’s age, weight, and lifestyle.
  • Some treatments are spot-ons, others are chewables or collars — use whatever works best for you and your pet.