Fleas and Ticks

External parasites are always concerning when it comes to our pets. Fleas and ticks are two of the most common. Fleas are a nuisance to our dogs, they can make them very itchy and can even cause skin disease in severe infestations, they can also pass along internal parasites like tapeworms. Although dog fleas do not like humans, they will try to bite us if our house is infested. One way to prevent this is to ensure your dog is on flea control when the flea season starts. May until October/November are our prime months for fleas. Our Veterinarian will recommend the best product for your dog during their annual exam. Ticks are a fairly new parasite to our area. Did you know that ticks are moving closer to Miramichi by up to 46 km a year! As most people know Ticks can transmit Lyme disease to your dog, but there are other parasites that can be just as damaging as Lyme disease they are Ehrlichia and Anaplasma. Our team can help you decide what is the best product to ensure your dog is protected.

How can I tell if my dog has fleas or ticks?

The most common sign you may see is your dog will be scratching. Some other ways to tell is to part the fur on your dog and look for flea dirt. It almost looks like small coffee grounds. Some people may tell us that they only saw one flea, unfortunately, if you see one, there are always a lot more hiding. With ticks, the most common way to tell if your dog has one, is by feeling in some common areas where ticks like to attach. Behind ears, under collars, between toes, in the elbows, and in the groin area are some areas that ticks like to feed.

How can I prevent fleas and ticks on my dog?

There are common medications that are used for prevention that can be purchased at our hospital. They come in different formats, some are topical, while others come in chew form. Some products are active against fleas only, some fleas and ticks, and other fleas and internal parasites. Ask our team what might be best for your dog.

What are the treatment options for dogs who have ticks?

Prevention is key, they come in topical or chewable tablets. There is also a Lyme vaccine available which would be great for animals in higher risk areas. If your animal has a tick attached, the tick can be sent away for analysis to see if it is a carrier for Lyme disease.