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What You Need to Know About Flea and Tick Treatment and Skincare for Dogs

Skin Care

When it comes to managing your pet’s overall health, effective flea and tick treatment is a critical component. These tiny parasites not only cause discomfort but can also transmit harmful diseases. It is necessary to use an effective flea and tick treatment to protect your dog from these pesky parasites. This blog has a variety of tips to help dog owners care for their pups.

Dog Grooming 

Grooming can be one way to monitor your pet’s overall health and help with their skincare. Regular grooming will ensure your pet’s coat is clean and checked frequently. Besides helping with flea and tick upkeep, grooming your pet will also help neutralize odors. A dog groomer can tell you what to look for when grooming your dog and what types of products to use to protect your dog’s coat and skin.

Avoid Forest Areas

Depending on the season and type of canine your dog’s body will naturally shed its fur. In the spring you may find your dog’s coat become thinner. It is important to note that ticks and fleas tend to hide in forests and areas with tall grass or shrubs. For this reason, avoiding these types of areas is important, whether or not it is shedding season. Some pet owners believe if their dog sheds a lot, it will help reduce ticks. However, this is untrue because ticks can and will attach directly to your pet’s skin.

To remove ticks when grooming first gently run your fingers along your dog’s body. If you feel any bumps, then lift the fur to see if a tick is buried in the skin. Be sure to use a special tick removal tool to remove the tick. You don’t want to leave part of the tick in your pet’s skin as that can cause infections and other problems. Part of maintaining good skincare for your dog requires actively checking below the fur for any abnormalities.

Topical Medication

Another common method for treating fleas and ticks is topical medication. This solution is applied directly to the skin of your dog. The medication spreads over your dog’s body and kills pests on contact.

Oral Medication

Pet owners can also opt for a pill or chewable solution for fleas and ticks. These swallowable medications help by protecting your dog from the inside out.

Tips for Choosing Flea Treatments and Dog Tick Removal Near You

  1. Choose medication that specifically claims to target both fleas and ticks.
  2. Consult with the experts at Smoochie Pooch for dog tick grooming options. The best treatment for your dog will depend on their breed, size, age, and previous medical history.
  3. Consider your dog’s lifestyle. Do you like to explore forests and large open spaces? If so, you may require a more concentrated solution as well as stronger preventative measures.
  4. Primarily, consult your local vet, especially if you need to remove an external parasite and do not feel confident in your ability to do so.

Dog tick grooming and removal is part of the many responsibilities of being a good pet owner. Stay vigilant, and remember to contact the experts at Smoochie Pooch if you have any questions.