It’s the time of year where if you’re a dog owner like us, you have to be prepared to deal with anything from ticks to grass seeds and everything in between. The warmth that the spring and summer seasons bring will definitely make your dog’s ears perk up and get their tail wagging.
However, your dog won’t be the only one enjoying the warm days ahead. Fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and flies will also be more active during these seasons since the hot and dry climate allows them to move around quite easily. Although these pests are often seen as nothing more than a nuisance, they can pose a serious health risk for your dog. Being bitten or stung by certain insects or other pests can cause your dog to develop skin irritations, allergic reactions, and diseases that can lead to death.
As a pet owner, it’s your responsibility to ensure that your four-legged friend is properly protected from the bites and stings of the creatures they’ll encounter outside. Here are four ways that you can sufficiently protect them:
Make Your Dog Wear Bug Preventative Pet Accessories
You’ll of course want to let your dog enjoy the warm, sunny weather as much as possible, but the longer you keep them outside, the greater their risk of getting stung or bitten. To reduce your pup’s likelihood of being pestered by pests while they’re outdoors, you can equip them with pet clothes and accessories that have bug-preventative properties.
Using custom dog bandanas is an easy way to protect your pooch from insects. Simply spray some dog-safe bug repellent on the bandana before securing it around your dog’s neck and your pup will have a stylish bug-repellent collar that they can wear anywhere. The good thing about this trick is that it provides a physical barrier that protects your dog’s neck and chest—areas where bugs, bees, wasps, and other pests usually gravitate towards.
Bathe Your Dog Using Flea And Tick Shampoos
Using a flea and tick shampoo when you bathe your dog is a great way to get rid of ticks and fleas that may be hiding in your dog’s fur. Flea and tick shampoos are specially medicated to kill adult fleas and ticks, as well as prevent their larvae and eggs from maturing for a prolonged period. Most of these shampoos are also formulated with pet-safe ingredients, like oatmeal, to naturally soothe a pet’s itchy skin. Note, however, that the effects of these shampoos don’t last as long as topical or oral flea and tick medications.
To get the most out of a particular shampoo product, you might need to bathe your dog once every one to two weeks. You can also speak with a veterinarian to help you find a dog shampoo product that will safely work on your pup.
Use Topical Treatment Or Oral Medication
If you’re looking for a treatment that can further protect your dog from pests for a prolonged period, then a topical or oral medication may be your best choice. Such medications are typically formulated to kill and repel fleas and ticks, but some brands also repel mosquitos, lice, and biting flies as well. Oral medication is meant to be ingested, while topical treatment is typically applied between the dog’s shoulder blades.
To ensure that the effects of your chosen pet medicine last for as long as they’re intended to, let a vet apply the treatment or give your dog the oral medication. A lot of dog owners make mistakes when giving their dogs these types of medications or treatments, causing the medicines to lose their effectiveness.
In addition, be on the lookout for any side effects that may manifest in your dog after they take their medication. If your dog experiences additional itchiness, irritation, anxiety, or gastrointestinal issues after you’ve administered the product, be sure to get in contact with your vet.
Limit Your Time Outdoors
Ponds, woods, and fields of tall grass are places dogs love to explore. But in the interest of your pup’s safety, it’s best to limit the amount of time you spend in these places. Pests thrive in these areas, so if you want to limit your dog’s exposure to them, opt for open and well-trimmed areas like park grounds instead. You can also temper your dog’s energy by keeping them occupied indoors or in your garden, where you have more control over what they’ll encounter.
Enjoying the warm weather with your dog will give you the chance to strengthen the bond you share with them. But if you aren’t prepared for bugs and other pests that make themselves known in the warmer seasons, you’ll be putting your pup’s well-being at risk. Make sure to use the tips listed above to shield your pooch from bites and stings, as well as further health risks that come with these.
