While fleas and ticks are often associated with woodsy areas, Phoenix and it’s warm weather, as well as Northern Arizona, is a happy home to such pests. Please see our tips below regarding flea and tick care for your pets.
Water is a very effective way to help prevent fleas, as they do not grab hold of the dog’s hair shafts. When a dog jumps into the water, most of them will fall off and drown. Use a gentle shampoo to give your dog a bath, preferably one with a citrus base, to rid him of them. Brushing his hair regularly will keep the pests at bay.
Ticks are experts in hiding in long grass awaiting the perfect opportunity to find a host, and are not as easy to remove. By using body warmth, they detect passers-by and a dog is the perfect target when playing outdoors. If you spend time in an area that may have ticks, check your pet regularly and thoroughly. It is important to remove ticks as quickly as possible since they can make your pet ill.
If you do have to remove ticks, use gloves (ticks can transmit disease to people as well), tweezers or a tick removal tool. With tweezers, gently grasp tick as close to your dog’s body as possible and pull gently in a straight, outward motion ensuring that all of the tick is removed. If using a tick removal tool, follow the direction for sliding the tool under tick to remove. Wipe with antiseptic to clean the area.
You should focus on repelling the pests completely, as ticks carry dangerous bacteria. Essential oils, such as rose geranium oils, are excellent natural repellents that can be easily applied to your dog’s collar. There are several branded flea and tick products that are commonly used as effective methods of protecting your dog and can be purchased at pet products stores. Note that the effectiveness of any products depends on dosing consistently. Most products require one dose a month and if you miss it, you increase the chances of an infestation. No matter what time of year it is, always apply these products as directed.
We’d like to remind everyone about our flea and tick policy: You may bring your own flea / tick product such as Frontline Plus or another waterproof alternative. If you do not have your own product, or your pet has not been treated in the past 30 days, we will apply Frontline Plus for $15 every 30 days for each pet that uses the facility. This is to maintain the health of all our furry guests. We don’t want you going home with more pets than you dropped off!
Thank you for your article and I would like to inquire regarding the method my dog gets treatments. I have her on monthly chewables I purchase from her veterinarian. They are Heartgard Plus and Nexgard. Shall I bring proof of her treatments when I bring her in for the first time?