Fleas and Ticks

Fleas and ticks cause discomfort and illness, stressing the importance of continuous prevention.

Fleas and ticks are two external parasites that can affect your dog. Fleas can cause your dog to be itchy, irritated and can possibly transmit tapeworms. Ticks are being found in more areas where they previously have not been before, including many parts of Newfoundland. Some types of ticks can spread Lyme disease and other diseases too. Using preventative products for fleas and ticks is the best way to help keep your pet safe. Talk to our knowledgeable team about how best to protect your pet.

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

If you notice your dog scratching or chewing at themselves and are wondering if the cause could be due to fleas, you can check through their fur for the fleas. If you can not find any adult fleas, you can look for flea dirt by taking a fine tooth comb through the fur and any collect any of the small black/brown dirt on a white paper towel. Slightly wet the paper towel and if those spots turn red, that is an indication that there are fleas on your dog. When you get in the house after finishing a walk, it is good to run your hands through your dog’s fur, checking for any ticks. Ticks embed their head into the dog’s skin and can be quite small to start, then will slowly grow larger, as they feed on blood.

How can I prevent fleas and ticks on my dog?

We believe that using preventative products are key to keeping your dog safe and there are many different options for flea and tick control for your dog. Our veterinarians can discuss with you what option is best for you and your dog. At this time, they will also discuss options for internal parasite control for parasites such as roundworm, hookworm and whipworm that can also affect your dog.

What are the treatment options for dogs who have ticks?

If you find a tick on your dog, you will want to remove it as soon as possible. The best way to do this is by using a tick twister to make sure that you remove the whole tick and not just the body. Having the head of the tick left under the skin can lead to infection. Using tweezers or other methods are not recommended, because it is more likely that the head of the tick will be left behind.

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