Fleas, ticks and heartworms are some of the most common health threats to dogs, and all three are much easier to prevent than to treat. The good news is that modern preventives are effective and simple to use. The key is choosing the right product with your vet and using it consistently.
Fleas: small insects, big problems
Fleas cause itching, skin infections and allergic reactions. Some dogs are so sensitive to flea saliva that a single bite can trigger days of intense scratching, a condition called flea allergy dermatitis. Fleas can also transmit tapeworms when a dog swallows an infected flea while grooming, and heavy infestations can cause anemia in puppies and small dogs.
The part many owners do not realize is that the adult fleas you see on your dog are only a small fraction of the problem. Flea eggs fall off into carpets, bedding, furniture and the yard, where they develop into larvae and pupae. This is why a flea problem can seem to come back even after you treat your dog.
How to get rid of an existing flea problem
- Treat every dog and cat in the household, not just the one that is scratching.
- Wash pet bedding, blankets and throws in hot water.
- Vacuum carpets, rugs and furniture often and empty the vacuum outside.
- Keep using a preventive for at least three months, because new fleas will keep hatching from the environment for weeks.
Ticks: more than a nuisance
Ticks attach to the skin and feed on blood. While they feed, they can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Signs of tick-borne disease in dogs can include fever, lethargy, lameness, swollen joints and loss of appetite, and sometimes appear weeks after the bite.
How to check for and remove ticks
After walks in grass, woods or brush, run your hands over your dog’s whole body. Pay special attention to the ears, around the eyes, the neck, under the collar, between the toes, the armpits and the groin. To remove a tick, use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Do not twist hard, squeeze the body, or use heat, petroleum jelly or nail polish. Clean the area afterward and watch it for a few days.
Heartworm: silent and serious
Heartworm disease is caused by a parasitic worm spread through mosquito bites. The larvae travel through the dog’s body and mature into worms that live in the heart and the blood vessels of the lungs. They can grow up to about a foot long. Over time they cause lasting damage to the heart, lungs and other organs.
Early heartworm disease often has no symptoms. Later signs include a mild persistent cough, tiring easily with exercise, weight loss and a swollen belly. Treatment is possible but is long, expensive and hard on the dog, which is why prevention matters so much.
Heartworm prevention basics
- Heartworm preventives are available by prescription as monthly chewables, topical products and long-acting injections.
- Many veterinary organizations recommend year-round prevention, because mosquito seasons are unpredictable and it is easy to forget to restart.
- Dogs should be tested for heartworm regularly, usually once a year, even when on prevention. A test is also needed before starting prevention in an adult dog.
Choosing a preventive
There are many products, and some cover fleas, ticks, heartworm and intestinal worms in one dose. Others cover only one or two parasites. Your vet will consider where you live, your dog’s age, weight and health, and whether you prefer chews, topicals or collars.
A few important safety rules:
- Dose by weight. Always use the product made for your dog’s current weight range.
- Never use dog products on cats. Some dog flea products contain permethrin, which can be deadly to cats.
- Be careful with cheap or unverified products. Counterfeit flea and tick products are sold online. Buy from your vet or a trusted pharmacy.
- Tell your vet about your dog’s history. Some preventives are not recommended for dogs with a history of seizures or certain breed sensitivities.
Make it a habit
The most effective preventive is the one you actually give on time. Set a recurring reminder on your phone, write the date on the calendar or ask your clinic about automatic reminders. Consistency is what keeps parasites from getting a foothold.
This article is for general information only. Talk to your veterinarian about which parasite prevention plan is right for your dog.