How To Check Your Pets for Ticks and Fleas
Keeping your pet healthy and comfortable means being proactive about potential pests like ticks and fleas, especially if they are outdoors often.
Pet-related fleas and ticks are common parasites that live on animals like dogs and cats, feeding on their blood. Fleas can cause itching, skin irritation, and allergic reactions, while ticks are known for transmitting diseases. These tiny parasites can cause big problems if left unnoticed, so knowing how to check your pet regularly is essential.
Supplies:
Tick Remover (left) and Flea Comb (right)
Flea Comb
Tick Remover/Tweezers
Magnifying glass (optional)
Gloves (optional)
Container/Bags (to place tick after removal)
Check Skin:
Ticks often attach themselves firmly to the skin.
Gently feel through your pet’s coat with your fingers, then run a flea comb through your pet’s fur, especially in thick or long areas. Fleas can get trapped in the comb’s teeth, allowing you to remove them. This will not only help you spot them but will also give you a chance to see any signs of irritation.
Fleas: Look for small, deep brown or black specks moving in the fur. You might also see "flea dirt," which are tiny black specks that look like ground pepper.
Ticks: Ticks are larger, often gray, or brown, and can be the size of a sesame seed or larger when engorged with blood. They might be found attached to your pet’s skin, typically around the ears, around their eyes, underarms, bellies, or between the toes.
NexGard is a once monthly chewable supplement that prevents and protects dogs from ticks, fleas and parasites.
Removing Fleas and Ticks:
For Fleas: If you find fleas, use a flea shampoo, or consult your vet about the best flea treatments. You can also use flea medication or collars as a preventive measure.
For Ticks: Use a pair of tweezers or a tick-removal tool to grab the tick close to your pet’s skin and pull it out gently, placing it into a sealed bag/container so that it does not escape. Avoid twisting the tick to prevent leaving parts of the tick behind. Dispose of the tick properly and monitor the bite site for any signs of infection.
After handling ticks, fleas, or anything your pet may have been exposed to, always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
References:
https://www.petmd.com/dog/how-check-dog-ticks
https://www.banfield.com/Wellness-at-banfield/Skin-and-coat-care/How-to-check-for-fleas