Fleas & Ticks - how to detect them, how to get rid off them and how to prevent infestation

Fleas and ticks are parasites that can infest your puppy and both can cause severe health issues. Any sign that your puppy has a parasite should be taken seriously. For both, there are a variety of treaments and prevention methods.

Does my puppy have fleas?

Fleas are usually picked up from other animals or infested material such as clothes, carpets, blankets and other textiles. They can cause a variety of health issues. Fleas can cause a puppy to become anemic, which in turn can lead to a weakened immune system and general poor health. The parasites can also cause skin irritation, which can lead to further issues such as hair loss, scabs, and infections. Through severe itching the puppy might scratch and bite itself, leading to further irritation and infection. Fleas can also transmit diseases like tapeworms and Bartonella, both of which can cause serious health issues in puppies.  

To detect if a puppy has fleas, look for signs of small, dark, jumping bugs on their coat. You may also see tiny, black specks of flea dirt in their fur. If you part the fur, you may also be able to spot fleas moving around. If you notice your puppy scratching or biting at its skin, this can also be a sign of fleas. A flea comb helps you see if your pup is infested (the parasites get stuck in the comb´s teeth).

To get rid of fleas, the first step is to vacuum your home thoroughly. This will remove most flea eggs and larvae that may be present. You should also give your puppy a flea bath, using an anti-flea shampoo designed for dogs. This will help to kill the adult fleas on the pup's body. Wash everything you can, such as blankets, pillow or the like. Keep an eye on your puppy, checking whether it scratches itself often, and inspect their coat regularly.

To prevent infestation, you should regularly treat your puppy with a flea preventative. This can be either a topical solution or a flea collar. Additionally, you should regularly groom your pet and check for fleas. Finally, you should keep your home and yard clean. Remove any debris or clutter that may attract fleas. 

My puppy has a tick - how do I remove it?

Puppies become infested with ticks when they come into contact with an area where ticks are present, mostly tall grass or wooded areas. A tick will either drop from a spot above or get brushed along when a potential victim passes. Then it searches for a good area on the pup´s skin to attach to and begin sucking blood. If not removed, it will do so for several days before it falls off by itself.

While sucking blood, ticks can then transmit diseases, including Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and babesiosis. These diseases can cause a variety of symptoms, ranging from fever, joint pain, and fatigue to loss of appetite and weakness. Severe cases can cause neurological problems, such as paralysis and seizures.  If a puppy shows any signs of illness, it is important to get them to a veterinarian immediately so they can be tested and treated. 

Detecting if a puppy has a tick can be difficult, as the small size of the bug can make it hard to find. Brush through their fur regularly and watch whether your pup scratched itself more than usual at one particular spot.

To spot a tick on your puppy, feel around the neck, head, ears and body for any bumps or lumps. If you find a bump on your puppy, pull back the fur gently and inspect the area closely. Ticks are dark and round in shape and will typically have a head and legs protruding from the bump. 

Once you’ve identified the presence of a tick, it’s important to remove it quickly and safely. This should be done by a vet, because it the parasite is not removed correctly, its head might be snapped off and stay in your puppy´s skin and cause an infection.

If you don't have the chance to bring your pet to the vet, follow the instructions: Using a pair of tweezers, grip the tick as close to the head as possible and pull it away from the skin with a steady motion. Once the tick has been removed, disinfect the area with rubbing alcohol or an antibacterial ointment. 

To prevent tick infestations, it’s important to regularly check your puppy´s fur for ticks. Inspect your pup for any bumps or lumps, paying special attention to areas like the head, neck and ears. Additionally, you can use a tick preventative product.

Anti-tick-collars are another form of tick prevention for puppies. They are usually made from a combination of natural and chemical ingredients that work together to repel and kill ticks. Collars are effective for up to eight weeks, and can be easily replaced when necessary. 

Topical solutions are the most common form of tick prevention for puppies. These solutions are typically rubbed directly into the fur of the puppy, usually near the neck and head. They can provide protection for up to four weeks and are easy to apply. 

Oral medications are also available for tick prevention in puppies. These drugs contain chemicals that kill ticks and provide protection for up to three months. They are easy to administer and are convenient for pet owners. Ask your vet for more information. 

Regular vacuuming and cleaning of the environment can also go a long way in preventing tick infestations.