4 tips to manage flea and tick infestation in dogs

4 tips to manage flea and tick infestation in dogs

Dogs get affected with fleas or ticks due to spending time on grassy trails, lush parks, or moist areas. And these pests can cause itching and skin damage if not controlled in time. Flea and ticks leave eggs and larvae on the coat, which can be challenging to eradicate. They can also lead to Lyme disease and other debilitating conditions. Following are tips to manage flea and tick infestation in dogs:

Consider the following treatment options

Bravecto chew
Bravecto chew is a chewable treatment option that you can administer along with your dog’s food. It contains fluralaner, an active ingredient that spreads quickly through the dog’s tissues and the skin. Fleas and ticks in the coat ingest minute amounts of fluralaner, which affects their central nervous system, killing them within 12 hours. One dose of Bravecto is effective for about 12 weeks. If your dog is sensitive to the treatment option and vomits within three hours of ingestion, contact your vet, as it may be less impactful in killing the ticks and fleas. Bravecto is also effective in preventing heartworms and intestinal worms.

Simparica
This prescription treatment option is ideal for dogs over six months and can be administered monthly. Consult your vet for the dosage; do not overdo for faster impact. Simparica contains sarolaner, which effectively controls multiple fleas and tick infestation. You must ensure that your pet consumes the dose completely for maximum impact. Though this option prevents and stays effective for four weeks, it may cause side effects in pregnant, lactating, or breeding dogs and those with neurological issues. Regular use of Simparica can also prevent heartworm disease in dogs. 

Advantix
Advantix is a water-resistant, spot-on topical formulation that treats multiple infestations, including fleas and ticks. It is suitable for puppies (seven weeks) and adult dogs. The contents of the package are administered in one spot for dogs less than 25 kgs and three spots for more than 25 kg. The application continues to remain effective even if your dog gets wet. Your vet may suggest the frequency of application based on the type of tick or flea infestation and the severity of the condition. Make sure you bathe and dry them before using Advantix. You can repeat the process after two weeks of application.

In addition to these tips, you can also consider the following information to manage flea and tick infestation in dogs:

Use a flea comb
Though a good bath can remove most of the adult fleas and ticks, young ones and eggs may remain in the skin, mainly in their shoulder blades, between the back legs, and around the neck area. Flea and tick eggs may drop from their fur as they generally do not stick to the skin. Since most dogs enjoy grooming, brush your dog with a pet-friendly tooth comb or a flea comb to isolate and remove the young ones. Collect them in a soap water mixture to prevent re-infestation.

Give them regular showers
Once you spot a flea or a tick in your pet’s coat, immediately bathe them. Use lukewarm water and mild soap to remove the fleas and ticks from their fur and skin. Use a soft towel to dry them without irritating their skin. Check with your veterinarian before choosing the right shampoo or soap. Rinse them thoroughly and ensure that you do not leave any shampoo or soap residue. Repeat the process every one to two weeks, depending on the intensity of the infestation. You can use tick or flea powder a couple of days before the bath. If you use anti-tick oil, gently massage it into their skin before a bath.

Keep your house and surroundings clean
New dog parents may assume bathing and brushing are adequate for managing the infestation. But ticks and fleas may remain in and around your pet’s bedding and resting places. They can also crawl and station themselves between tiles, door or window hinges, under furniture, carpets, upholstery, and curtains. They can crawl back onto your dogs once the effect of the bath or the impact of the anti-tick or flea products wears off. Hence, clean the areas your dogs frequent and their mats and beddings regularly. Use sprays that are non-toxic for them and your family. Continue to clean your house until you see no signs of ticks in your home.

Ticks and fleas do not limit themselves to the house; they can be found outdoors too. If you notice a flea or tick around the yard, you must start cleaning it. Ensure that your yard or lawns are not too moist, as fleas and ticks thrive in these damp areas. Remove dry leaves and trash, wood piles, excessive foliage, and tall grass as full-grown fleas and ticks may breed and lay eggs. Cedar naturally repels fleas and ticks, so you can mulch your dog’s resting areas. Treat your lawn with non-toxic pesticides for any pest infestation.

If your dog still suffers from the effects of ticks and fleas, it is recommended to consult a vet for effective support in treating them. Ignoring the condition may lead to further complications.

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Top 5 human foods that are also safe for dogs

If you own a pet, you know that every time you eat, your dog sits right next to you in hopes that you'll share your food. Human food can be safe for dogs if it doesn't contain toxins. Every pet owner must know which food is and isn't suitable for your furry friend. This way, you can feed your dog the right foods. Here are some foods you can share with your dogs without hesitation: Fish Just like omega-3 fatty acids benefits humans, it can also help dogs fight inflammation. Fish is also an alternative source of protein for dogs that may be allergic to red meat. Ensure that you cook it well without too much oil and seasoning. Raw fish may contain salmonella and listeria, causing infection for the dog and your family. Clean and pick the bones well before serving them. Fish bones are risky for dogs, as they can lodge in their mouth, throat, and intestines or perforate their organ walls. Choose fish that have lower mercury levels. Ideal fish for dogs include tuna, whitefish, cod, and whiting. Meat Meat is a natural dog-friendly food, as they are carnivores. If you are preparing the meat at home, choose lean ground beef, chuck steak, chicken, turkey, or roast. Ensure that meat is not undercooked or even undercooked. Some dogs may prefer pork and lamb. You can try and observe their preferences and keep changing the meat frequently so that they get to taste different types of meat and simultaneously get a good supply of protein. Beans Beans are an excellent source of protein and fiber. However, soak them well before cooking, as they can be challenging to prepare. Undercooked or raw beans can cause indigestion, gas, and bloating. If you raise your dog as a vegetarian, consult the vet for their daily dose, as a healthy dose of beans may not replace the nutritional needs that meat can supply. Beans like black beans, soybeans, edamame, lima beans, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, and pinto beans are safe for dogs. If you have access to green beans, you can also serve them fresh or cooked. You can flash freeze fresh green beans when in season and serve them when required by thawing them in a microwave. Sweet potatoes Sweet potatoes contain multiple beneficial nutrients for your dog, including beta carotene, fiber, and vitamins. You can roast or bake them to make delicious sweet potato treats. However, do not feed them raw sweet potatoes as they are difficult to chew. Your dog may end up swallowing big chunks of sweet potato that can choke them and cause blocks in their intestine. Raw sweet potatoes can also cause indigestion. Rice You can serve your pet dog rice whenever it is part of your household menu. Dogs relish rice, and you can combine it with their favorite meat or vegetable. Avoid rice only if your pup or dog is overweight, as rice is rich in carbs. Cook the rice well in water and avoid seasoning or spices. Start with small quantities of white rice initially. Then, increase the amount if they like it and don't gain additional weight. While feeding them rice, ensure you combine protein, fiber, and nutrient-rich food so the meal is well-balanced. Besides these human foods that are safe for dogs, your pets can also have packaged dog food. These options are nutritious and well-balanced.   Royal Canin Royal Canin has been making pet food since 1968, based on a scientific understanding of the health and nutrition of pets. Their food products meet the safety standards of the Association of American Feed Control (AAFCO). They use the heart, liver, lungs, corn, wheat, poultry, and other vital nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA). Natural Balance Natural Balance is a pioneer in the limited ingredient food category for pets. Their specialty ingredients include sweet potatoes, garbanzo beans, green peas, brown rice, oats, venison, lamb, buffalo, bison, duck, salmon, fatty acid oils, and flax seeds. They also have a limited ingredient meal plan for dogs with digestive issues. They test every batch of food they produce and display the results on the website. You can check for the quality of the bag you buy to confirm that your bag is toxin-free. Nutro Nutro has been a natural dog food maker for about 90 years and uses trusted produce to make dry and wet food and treats for dogs and cats. They have about seven meat product flavors and four sublines: Natural Choice, So Simple, Nutro, Ultra, and a Limited Ingredient Diet. You can choose from the various sublines and flavors based on your dog's food preferences and size. A dog has about 1,700 taste buds, and Nutro's products cater to their tastes, combining them with the required quantities of proteins, fats, and carbs. Just Right Just Right is a pet food company that allows you to choose the right blend of foods for your pet, depending on their health. Their in-house pet experts guide you in selecting the right food and creating a meal plan. Once you make your payment, the blend you choose is delivered to you every month. You even have the option to print your dog's photo on the package along with custom feeding amounts and instructions.

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6 human foods that cats can safely eat

Cats are picky eaters, but they may jump with glee if you share a titbit from your plate. Felines love variety in food, and you can share some of your food if it is nutritious and non-toxic. Moderation is the key when you feed human food to your cat so that it does not cause any allergies or digestive issues. Here is a list of six human foods that are safe for your cats: Eggs Small quantities of cooked eggs are good for cats. You can set aside a tablespoon of scrambled egg or a piece of a boiled egg while you cook some for yourself. Don't season it, add any oil or butter, or  feed raw eggs or yolks. Eggs contain a protein called Avidin that may prevent the absorption of Vitamin B. Raw eggs could contain Salmonella, a bacteria that can infect the GI tract of both cats and humans. Severe infection may lead to death in cats, while humans may need hospitalization. Vegetables Cats are carnivores and are partial to meat; a non-meat diet may not excite them as much. However, you can feed small portions of a few vegetables that can supply your cat's fiber, protein, and nutrition requirements. Remember to cook the vegetables before feeding them. Pumpkin, squashes, zucchini, lettuce, green beans, broccoli, carrots, and peas are safe vegetables for your cat. Ideally, you can boil or steam them and serve them without adding seasoning. Avoid sharing portions of raw or uncooked salads from your plate. Meat Most cat food contains some protein as meat is crucial for their eyes, heart, and reproductive system. If you want to feed them meat you cook for yourself or your family, ensure it is cooked well. Avoid seasoned meat, or don't feed them pieces of meat from gravies or curries. Instead of seasoning, you can add spices like basil, cilantro, dill, rosemary, or thyme, which are safe for cats. Small portions of cooked beef, chicken, duck, and turkey are safe meat for cats. Lamb and pork may be fattening, and you can give small portions after trimming the fat. Avoid giving too much organ meat like liver and kidney. Fish Cats are prone to allergies and dry skin. Vets generally recommend omega-3-rich fish oils that are rich in anti-inflammatory properties. Fish can also help older cats that are prone to arthritis. Feeding your cats omega-3-rich fish can help them get a continuous supply of anti-inflammatory foods. The ideal fish you can feed your cats include tuna, herring, crab, and salmon. Avoid seasoning and also remove the bones. If your cat is used to canned or commercial food, they could choke on fish bones. Oatmeal Oats are a staple ingredient of many commercial cat food brands, and you can feed them to your cat occasionally. Presoak oats overnight, cook them well and mix them with water instead of milk. Don't add sugar or any topping that you may have with your oatmeal. You can also add a small portion of oatmeal to their regular food. If your cat has a previous history of gastrointestinal issues, avoid oatmeal as it can interfere with their digestion. Fruits As a pet parent, you may know that cats cannot distinguish sweet as a taste. You can give them fruits in moderation as treats or as a part of their meal. Sliced bananas, the flesh of watermelon without the rind or seeds, small amounts of strawberries, berries like blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, small portions of apple, small slices of mangoes, cantaloupes, and pineapples without the rind or skin are all safe for cats. Always chop the fruit into bite-size pieces to prevent choking. Fruits are ideal as treats and not as a whole meal. Apart from human foods, here are some of the best cat-food brands that you can consider: Royal Canin Royal Canin offers a range of commercial wet and dry cat food and therapeutic food for specific health conditions. This brand also offers tailored nutrition, providing the exact requirement of vitamins, prebiotics, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants that your cats require. Tailored nutrition is a unique concept that considers your cat's unique health needs, breed, and lifestyle, which is available for purebred cats and kittens. The brand also has age-specific food for kittens, adult, mature and senior cats. IAMS™ IAMS offers cat parents the choice of tailored nutrition for their cats based on their age, lifestyle, breed, and individual health issues. You can log in to the IAMS website and answer basic questions about your cat, and experts recommend the best product based on your cat's individual and unique needs. This brand is offering to cover the cost of your next vet appointment if you buy two bags of IAMS dry food. GREENIES™ Greenies offer Dental Treats, Pill Pockets, and Smartbites for cats in different flavors. Dental treats are available in chicken, tuna, shrimp, and salmon flavors. Pill pockets are easy to use and available in salmon and chicken flavors. You can roll your cat's capsule in the pill pocket, hide it, and feed it to your cat without any fuss and strain for them. Smart bites are treats for your cat and are available in salmon, chicken, and tuna flavors.

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