Summer is a fun-filled time for all dogs, as they get to enjoy extended playtime, explore the outdoors and bask in the warmth of the sun. However, the season also makes our dogs susceptible to parasite infestations while they are playing in the neighborhood pet park or taking a dip in the swimming pool. Therefore, it is crucial to take proactive steps to protect your dog from pesky parasites that thrive during this season and help them enjoy the weather to the fullest. In this blog, we’ve come up with a comprehensive guide to help you protect your dogs from parasite infestations in summer and ensure their comfort.
Let’s get started!
How to Protect Your Dog from Parasites in Summer?
The following are some effective ways to help protect your dog from parasite infestations in summer.
- Using an Effective Parasite Preventive
There is a plethora of parasite preventives available on the market formulated to keep your dog protected from a wide range of internal and external parasites, including fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal worms. You need to choose a product that best suits your dog’s lifestyle and the types of parasites they are exposed to. The popular parasitic preventives include NexGard Spectra, Advantage Multi and Simparica Trio for dogs.
- Administering the Treatments Appropriately
Parasite preventives come in different forms, such as chewable tablets, topical formulas, and collars. As a dog parent, you must ensure that they are administered appropriately. For example, the Seresto Dog collar, designed to control fleas and ticks, works only when it is touching the skin and may fail if the collar gets loose.
- Preventing Mosquito Bites
Mosquitoes are prevalent during summer and are known to transmit deadly heartworm infections in dogs through bites. Some of the most effective ways to prevent mosquito bites include using vet-approved repellents, skipping outdoor walks during peak dawn or dusk hours, and eliminating any standing water at home or in the yard.
- Keeping Your Yard Clean and Trimmed
An unkempt yard serves as a breeding ground for fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. Therefore, if you have a yard, keep it clean and well-trimmed, maintain the shrubs and remove fallen branches, leaves, and trash to keep your dog safe and parasite-free.
- Maintaining a Clean Home
An important step toward protecting your dog from parasites is keeping your home clean. You must vacuum your carpets and furniture frequently, wash your dog’s bedding weekly, promptly dispose of waste, and clean their food and water bowls daily to eliminate any larvae, eggs, and adult pests so as to also prevent infestations.
6 Checking for Parasites Regularly
Besides using parasite preventives, it is also crucial for you to check your dog regularly for external parasites, especially after they’ve come back from outdoors. To check dogs for parasites, perform a daily, hands-on inspection by combing through their fur and examining their ears, paws, and the area under the tail for ticks, which may appear as small brown-to-black bugs or engorged apple-seed shaped parasites. You may also watch for flea dirt (looks like coffee grounds) and check their stool for worms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to use parasite preventives every month to keep my dog protected in summer?
If you are using parasite preventives indicated for monthly-dosing, you need to administer it at the same date of each month for optimum protection.
What is the flea and tick season in the USA?
Flea and tick season in the USA typically runs from spring through fall (April to November), peaking in warmer, humid months. However, in many states, they are active year-round. Ticks become active when temperatures rise above freezing, with peak activity from March to May and August to November.
What should I do after walking my dog?
After walking your dog, check it for ticks, especially around the ears, between toes, in the armpits, and around the tail base. Also, use a fine-toothed comb to detect fleas. If your dog swims in lakes or oceans, rinse them off to remove salt, bacteria, or algae.
What are the signs of a parasite infestation in dogs?
Flea and tick infestation result in intense scratching, biting, red skin, hair loss, or visible “flea dirt”. Heartworm infection triggers coughing, fatigue, and weight loss. If your dog is infested with intestinal worms, it may experience diarrhea, vomiting, or a bloated abdomen.
Where do parasites tend to hide in summer?
Ticks tend to hide in tall grass, wooded areas, and shrubs. Fleas hide in carpets, bedding, and upholstery.
Do I need to protect my indoor dog from parasites?
It is crucial to protect your indoor dog from parasites, as fleas can easily come inside your home with your clothes or shoes. Mosquitoes can also enter through open windows or doors and transmit heartworm infection. Therefore, year-round prevention is advised to avoid infestations.
Parting Words
Summer is a fun-filled season for you and your pet. By taking the above-mentioned simple steps, you can help ensure your dog’s comfort, good health, and safety even during the hottest months of the year.
