Keeping Your Dog Protected From Pests

Now that summer is almost here, your dog needs to be prepared to face the onslaught of warm-weather pests that are waiting to latch on to him. Learn how to keep your canine companion safe from common pests in this article from a Carolina Forest, SC vet.

Fleas are very common and can stay active well into the autumn months when temperatures are dropping. A flea infestation that goes untreated can lead to serious symptoms like scabs, skin infection, and even dangerous anemia. Additionally, fleas can jump off of your dog and infest your family’s furniture, clothing, and bedding! It goes without saying that you’ll want to prevent a flea infestation ahead of time-ask your veterinarian about a high-quality flea preventative for Fido.

Anaplasmosis, Ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever… the list of dangerous diseases that can be transmitted by ticks goes on and on. It’s much more difficult to treat these issues once they’ve taken hold than it is to avoid them in the first place; keep your dog set up with a good tick preventative to keep him safe. If you find a tick embedded in your dog’s skin, grasp the tick with tweezers, as close as you can get to your dog’s skin. Pull straight outward with even pressure, rather than twisting or pulling. Disinfect the area with an antiseptic, and keep a close eye on the bite area for a few weeks.

A wide variety of parasitic worms can cause serious harm to our dogs. The list includes heartworms, hookworms, roundworms, whipworms, and even tapeworms. Rather than allow your dog to suffer the symptoms of a worm infestation, keep them on a regular heartworm preventative. Heartworm medications tend to keep almost all dangerous varieties of worms at bay, so it’s a great investment for your pooch. Talk to your vet right away if your pet is in need.

Mosquitoes transfer heartworm larvae-called microfilariae-into your dog’s bloodstream, where they mature into adult worms and migrate toward your pooch’s heart. Plus, mosquitoes themselves can transmit dangerous diseases, such as West Nile virus. Keep your dog on a heartworm preventative, and do your part to defend your yard against mosquitoes: trim back long grass and shrubbery, and remove any sources of standing water. To learn more about keeping your dog safe from outdoor pests, call your Carolina Forest, SC animal hospital.