Once the weather warms up, your dog will want to get out and about more. However, this is the time of year that fleas and ticks tend to be more visible as they like the warmer weather too.
Unfortunately, they are also present in our homes throughout the winter as well, which is why it is important to keep your pet protected all year round.
With products, such as Beaphar FIPROtec® COMBO, you can ensure that whatever the weather your home and dog are protected from the nasty parasites, creating a more harmonious home.
Check out our top tips for keeping your dog flea, tick and biting lice free:
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Choose a product that works for you
We all have busy lifestyles and for some, a monthly spot-on is the best route for combating biting nasties. For others, a collar – such as Beaphar Canishield® – is more convenient to just pop on and go. Whatever your preference, it is important to choose a product that offers all-year round protection for your dog.
- Prevention is better than reaction
Having a monthly schedule of flea, tick and biting lice protection is key to a happy, healthy pet. Despite popular belief, fleas are around all year round. It is true that they prefer warm, damp environments – such as spring and summer months – but with the increasing use of artificial heat in the home, it is often a breeding ground for parasites. It is important to keep a strict regime all-year-round.
- Be mindful of where you walk your dog
Some areas of the country can be more prevalent for different varieties and higher numbers of ticks. Although we want our dogs to have the best time whilst on walks, we should be mindful of areas with long grass as ticks are waiting to jump to their new host. Ticks are very small until they have developed, and once grown they are recognisable as a small black bump (currant fruit sized) in your dog’s fur. It is highly important that you check your dog’s fur regularly for any changes.
- Check for ticks regularly
Check, check and check again. A tick will start it’s life as a small bug until it has developed through drinking the host’s blood. The tick will then progress to a large, round, black bump. It is important to check regularly and you can combine this with your grooming routine. Gently run your hands through your dog’s fur, being mindful of any bumps or raised areas along the way. If you do find a bump, gently part the fur to investigate further. A fully grown tick will often look like a wart but on closer inspection, you will see eight legs. If you are unsure, always consult your vet.
- Treat the tick as soon as you find it
As soon as you find a tick, it is important to get them off of your dog as they can cause infection and, in some cases, Lime disease that can have a long-term effect on your dog’s health. Never use an appliance that is not for tick removal, as this can be painful for your dog, and can also result in the tick staying in the pet, with the mouth parts still attached. The tick will then present itself again within a day or two. Instead, use a spray such as Beaphar Tick Away Spray, which is a non-toxic product designed to stun and freeze the tick so that it drops off of your dog. Simply part the fur, apply the spray at a distance of around 5cm, for no longer than three seconds.
- Tick prevention can prevent lime disease
Lime disease is a rare, but sometimes dangerous condition that can affect humans and pets. Not all ticks have Lime disease, but they can be found all over the UK. High-risk places include grassy and wooded areas in southern and northern England and the Scottish Highlands. It can cause a painful rash and in some cases, can cause further discomfort. Should you be concerned, always contact your vet.
- Check for fleas regularly
It is important to check for fleas and eggs regularly as the flea cycle can evolve very quickly. To check for fleas, part your pet’s hair and brush through with a flea comb over a white piece of paper. Flea dander – which looks like black dots – will show up on the white background. If you are unsure, contact your vet.
- Check your home regularly
Did you know that only 5% of fleas are on the pet and 95% of an infestation is in the home? Prevention will stop this, but if you find yourself in a position of continuous infestations, you will need to check all areas of your home. Pay particular attention to carpets, skirting boards and soft furnishings. You can treat your home with Beaphar FLEAtec Household Flea Spray. .
What is Beaphar FIPROtec® COMBO and how can it prevent fleas, ticks and biting lice?
Beaphar FIPROtec® COMBO, is non-systemic, meaning the active ingredients are not absorbed into the bloodstream. Parasites are killed when they come into contact with the active ingredients. This could be on the skin’s surface or in your pet’s coat. Dogs must be 8 weeks of age and weigh 2kg or more. You will need to pick either Beaphar FIPROtec® COMBO for Small Dogs, Medium Dogs or Large Dogs, depending on the weight of your dog.
What other options are available?
Beaphar has a range of on-animal flea and/or tick control products for cats and dogs. The range includes:
- Beaphar FIPROtec® Spray, which is suitable for kittens and puppies from 2 days of age.
- Beaphar FIPROtec® Spot-On, Dogs must be 8 weeks of age and weigh 2kg or more.
- Beaphar Soft Flea Collars, which are suitable for cats from 12 weeks of age.
- Beaphar Canishield®, which is suitable for dogs from 7 weeks of age. Fights fleas, ticks and sandflies for up to 6 months.
For more information visit www.beaphar.com