ReadersAisle.com | Reliable Information Simplified

9 ways to relieve and prevent flea and tick infestations in dogs

Fleas and ticks are common parasites that affect pets. Fleas tend to move around on their body, while ticks stick to one location. The most common hiding spots include behind the ears, under the collar or front legs, near the elbows, between the paw pads or toes, and at the base of the tail. This article lists a few simple yet helpful ways to treat and prevent fleas and ticks in pets.

Tweeze them out
Since ticks are larger and often slower than fleas, they are easier to remove. To get rid of a tick, first part the fur around it to gain a clear view of the area. Then, using fingers or a pair of tweezers, grab the tick at the point where it is closest to the dog’s skin. Now, pull it out gently with a steady, firm, upward pressure. Once removed, do not release the tick back into nature. Instead, place it in a container or plastic bag and contact a veterinarian. After the process, clean the dog’s wound to reduce the risk of infection.

Use a flea comb
Fleas are smaller and tend to keep moving within the fur, making it more challenging to get rid of them. They can infest multiple areas of the pet’s body simultaneously, causing symptoms like intense itching, hair loss, redness, and scratches. One of the most popular ways to eliminate fleas is using a flea comb. These combs have very fine teeth, which can pull out fleas, flea eggs, and flea dirt. However, experts recommend supplementing this remedy with other flea removal techniques, such as shampoos and preventatives.

Try citrus juice
Citrus is a natural flea repellent. Therefore, rubbing freshly squeezed orange or lemon juice on a dog’s fur can help keep these parasites at bay. However, avoid citrus oil as it is unsafe for dogs and cats. Citrus oil is extracted from the rinds of citrus fruits using a special process and is not found in freshly squeezed juice. While the limonene content in it can ward off insects, if consumed, it may lead to liver damage in pets and irritate their skin. Since citrus oil is a common additive in many cleaning products, exercise caution when using them around the home. Use citrus oil products only in parts of the house where the dog cannot reach.

Dip in a tub
Water can provide instant relief against fleas. Since these parasites do not hold on to hair shafts, the water causes them to slide out of the dog’s fur and drown. While this may not clear all the fleas from a pet’s coat, it can help reduce their number significantly. To amplify this remedy’s effect, use a gentle pet shampoo and brush their coat thoroughly.

Use an anti-tick and flea powder
Another excellent treatment option for flea and tick infestations is using an anti-tick and flea powder a day or two before the dog’s bath. This powder pierces and dehydrates ticks and fleas, as well as their eggs, helping get rid of them with ease.

Get nematodes
Consider adding nematodes to reduce the prevalence of fleas in the yard. Nematodes, tiny worms that eat larvae, can easily be found at local garden or pet stores. They can kill fleas by attaching to them as hosts, reducing the risk of an infestation. However, exercise caution when introducing nematodes, and do not get varieties like heartworm that may infect animals. Also, keep their presence limited to some areas of the yard.

Sprinkle diatomaceous earth
Diatomaceous earth, a fine powder made from the remains of algae, can help eliminate fleas around the house. It can help dry out and kill their eggs, reducing new growth. Just sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the pet’s bedding or on the carpet and let it sit for 48 hours. Ensure no one walks over it during this time. After 48 hours, vacuum and clean this area thoroughly.

Use a bug repellant
Ticks often carry infection-causing bacteria. Hence, it is advisable to take precautionary measures and prevent their spread. One of the easiest ways to do so is using a pet-safe bug repellent. Spray the repellent on the dog’s legs and body before heading out for a walk to deter pests from latching on to their fur.

Clean the home regularly
Fleas are found in larger numbers than ticks and can quickly infest homes. To keep them away, be sure to:

Vacuum the house frequently, especially carpets and rugs.
Vacuum fabric upholstery on chairs, couches, and dog beds regularly.
Empty the vacuum bag outside the house after each use, as fleas can survive inside these bags.
Wash the pet’s bedding and toys in hot water regularly to remove bacteria and flea larvae.
Keep the lawn grass mowed, and trim all shrubbery.
Seal any spaces that may become nesting spaces for outdoor animals.

Besides using these remedies and preventative measures, it is essential to improve a pet’s immunity because tick infestations are less likely to affect healthy dogs. Speak to a veterinarian to devise the best meal and hydration plan to keep pets safe and healthy.

How to identify a flea or tick infestation?
The first step toward eliminating fleas and ticks is identifying their presence. The following are a few common signs of an infestation:

Itching and scratching around the head and ears
Red spots on the skin
Signs of flea dirt (a black-brown powdery substance that sticks to the fur)
The presence of a tick anywhere around the house
Bumps or rashes (as an allergic reaction to tick bites)

If the symptoms do not subside even after using home remedies, consult a veterinarian to identify the problem and develop a treatment plan. Flea and tick infestations can lead to complications if ignored.

Popular Reads

Top 6 foods that may reduce dementia risk

Many individuals mistakenly believe that dementia is a disease, but it’s a term used to describe symptoms related to memory, social abilities, and thinking. These symptoms can be challenging to manage and can impact daily activities. However, healthcare professionals often recommend implementing a healthy meal plan as a way to improve management. If you’re interested in learning about how your food intake can reduce the risk of developing dementia, read on. What is dementia? As previously mentioned, dementia is not a specific disease. Instead, health conditions like Alzheimer’s disease are among its most frequent causes in older adults. Other known causes of dementia include damage to the blood vessels that supply nutrients to the brain, the formation of balloon-like proteins in the brain, and the breakdown of connections and nerve cells in the brain. While memory loss is one of its most recognizable signs, this symptom alone does not mean one has dementia. Most symptoms of this group of health issues can vary depending on the cause. Hence, here are some of the most common signs to look out for. Memory loss Difficulties while communicating Reasoning and problem-solving issues Poor control of movements and coordination Disorientation Confusion What are the foods that can help reduce the risk of dementia? Typically, dementia and Alzheimer’s are known to be caused by a combination of several factors, such as environmental, lifestyle, and genetic. Furthermore, developing issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease can contribute to cognitive decline in patients. Therefore, healthcare professionals suggest the consumption of nutrient-rich foods to reduce dementia risk as one grows older. Some of the foods that can be added to one’s meal plan are: Avocados Avocados are one of the most commonly known superfoods, which can provide the brain with the needed energy without a spike in blood sugar levels.

Avoid these 15 common shower mistakes

There is nothing a warm shower cannot resolve. Showering after a long day can be a stress reliever and enhance one’s mood instantly. It also has several other health benefits besides cleansing the body, including facilitating cold relief, boosting immunity, and relieving muscle pain. However, not bathing the right way can give rise to skin conditions such as rashes and eczema. Here are some common mistakes one should avoid while bathing and showering: Not moisturizing after a shower Wiping after a bath can reduce the body’s moisture, causing dry skin, which can lead to rashes and itching. Dermatologists recommend applying body lotion and moisturizer immediately after a shower to retain skin texture and prevent dryness. One should look for hypoallergenic moisturizers that do not have any added fragrances. Bathing in scorching hot water Scorching hot water can damage keratin cells in the skin’s outer layer. Consequently, the skin becomes dry and dehydrated. It is important to balance the water temperature before stepping into the shower. Ideally, the temperature of the water should be lukewarm. Using the wrong towel An absorbent towel that does not feel rough is ideal for wiping oneself after a shower. The most effective way to select the right towel is to check its density, measured in grams per square meter (GSM). Towels with GSMs between 400 and 550 are considered ideal for use after bathing. One should avoid towels below a GSM of 400, as these towels can be thin and rough, causing skin dryness. Moreover, towels made of superior-quality Egyptian or Turkish cotton are extremely soft and perfect for the skin. Soaping the arms and legs excessively While it is important to wash and clean one’s arms and legs, these areas typically do not collect much oil and dust. Hence, scrubbing them excessively can dry out these areas and hamper their natural texture.

15 signs of a weak immune system

The immune system is a complex network of organs, cells, and proteins that act as the body’s defense mechanism against diseases and infections. The system —the innate immune system that people are born with and the adaptive immune system, which develops due to exposure to toxins and microbes. Both parts work together to keep infection-causing germs and toxins. So, weak immunity can make the body susceptible to diseases and other health issues. High stress levels The American Psychological Association suggests that chronic stress weakens the immune system. This is because stress lowers the number of white blood cells (i.e., lymphocytes) in the body that fight infections, increasing the risk of infections such as the common cold. Persistent cold Most adults develop two to three colds per year, which usually last from 7 to 10 days. During this period, the immune system forms antibodies to fight the virus. However, if one keeps catching a cold or is dealing with common cold symptoms for a long time, it could be a sign of weak immunity. Slow-healing wounds When one develops a cut or a wound, the body immediately goes into damage control mode to stop any bleeding and regenerate skin. Immune cells in the body guide this process. However, when dealing with a weakened immune system, wounds take longer to heal. This can make one more susceptible to infections as well. Frequent infections Those with a lowered immunity are at a higher risk of contracting infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, bronchitis, and skin infections. They are also more likely to experience autoimmune disorders, organ inflammation, blood disorders such as anemia, and growth and developmental delays. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, some signs of weak immunity include: – Having more than four ear infections in a year – Developing pneumonia twice within a year – Dealing with chronic sinusitis or more than three episodes of bacterial sinusitis in a year Fatigue If one constantly feels tired despite getting enough sleep, it may be a sign of weak immunity.