Stop the Itch: Flea and Tick Prevention for Dogs

If you’re a dog owner, you know that flea and tick prevention is essential. These parasites can be quite an unpleasant surprise, as they can quickly latch onto your dog and burrow into their fur without anyone noticing.

Though smaller than a grain of rice, fleas and ticks can cause some big health issues for your dog. The effects range from mild skin irritation caused by flea bites to serious tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

These creepy crawlers aren’t letting up any time soon — in fact, the Companion Animal Parasite Council reported that ticks are spreading to previously untouched parts of the United States and bringing new diseases with them. As wild habitats and climates have changed, parasites like ticks and fleas are more likely to expand their geographical reach, and more pets will be exposed to the bacteria they carry.

This means that pet owners (and outdoor enthusiasts) in all parts of the US need to take extra care to avoid fleas, ticks, and the diseases they carry. These pests can also hop onto humans, infest your home, and affect other pets in your home (that means cats are at risk, too).

Are you itchy yet? Don’t panic: You can keep your dog safe from insect-borne diseases (and stop fleas and ticks from hitching a ride into your home) with the right preventive care — and some help from the Pumpkin Wellness Club.

What’s the difference between fleas and ticks?

Fleas are tiny, six-legged parasites that live on their host and ingest their blood. While these little bloodsuckers lack wings, fleas can jump up to two feet in the air — pretty impressive for a bug the size of a pinhead.

Believe it or not, a female flea can lay 40 to 50 eggs daily and lay thousands in its life cycle. If left untreated, a single flea can cause a full-blown infestation on your dog. The bite of just one flea can cause extreme itchiness and skin irritation in some dogs. And it gets even worse: Fleas can also transmit parasites like tapeworms to your pet. If you see specks that look like dirt or coffee grounds on your pooch, this could be ‘flea dirt’ — a sure sign they’re infested.

Ticks are also small parasites that live off their host’s blood, but they are slightly larger and tend to be more visible than fleas. They have eight legs and can range from the size of a poppy seed to a sesame seed, depending on their life stage. When fully engorged with blood, they can grow to the size of a small raisin.

While fleas move and jump around, ticks pick a spot and stick to it, burrowing directly into your dog’s skin. It’s extremely important to check your dog for ticks often if you live in a wooded area or go on a lot of outdoor adventures. If a tick makes itself at home on your dog, it can transmit severe illnesses such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

How do dogs get fleas or ticks?

Unfortunately, the answer to this question can be as simple as taking your dog for a walk. Dogs frequently encounter fleas and ticks during everyday adventures, so it’s important to check them often.

Whether your dog is frolicking at the local park, romping around in the backyard, or coming along for a hike in the woods, they can pick up fleas or ticks without your knowledge. Areas with tall grass or dense woods are especially risky for tick encounters. Fleas can jump from another infested animal to your dog, so be wary if you’re in close contact with other pets or visiting areas where wildlife is present.

Keeping your dog completely flea- and tick-free can be challenging, but there are plenty of preventive measures you can take. We’ll cover ways to prevent fleas and ticks before, during, and after your outdoor adventures, so you can keep your dog safe from discomfort and diseases associated with the tiny critters.

How to protect your dog from fleas and ticks

Learning how to protect your dog from ticks and fleas is the first step toward prevention. You can prevent these pests from landing on your dog in the first place, or treat the infestation after it happens — most dog owners will prepare for both stages of prevention and treatment just in case.

The Pumpkin Wellness Club can help you get cash back on your pup’s routine preventive care, and pest prevention is no exception. One membership option can reimburse you for $150 spent on prescription flea, tick, and heartworm preventives each year (for reference, most of these medications cost between $30–40 for a one month supply). You can also get cash back on routine blood tests to screen for related infections, vaccinations, fecal testing, and annual wellness exams, and enjoy access to discounts on top pet brands All in all, you can save up to $360 each year while helping your pet stay healthy and illness-free.

Let’s get into the best vet-recommended methods for preventing fleas and ticks from bugging your pet.

Oral parasiticides

A monthly chewable parasiticide (such as Simparica Trio) will kill both fleas and ticks before they can reproduce or spread disease. It also has the added benefit of protecting your dog from heartworms, hookworms, and roundworms — all you need to do is see your veterinarian for a prescription.

This category of routine, prescription-strength medications designed to kill multiple kinds of parasites is by far the best defense against fleas, ticks, and related infections. However, with so many flea and tick preventives on the market, it can be tough to choose a high-quality and safe treatment. Our advice? Consult with your veterinarian to make an informed decision, as certain preventive medications might not suit all pets.

Topical parasiticides

Spot-on or topical medication is another popular option for preventing fleas and ticks from latching onto your pet. These products usually come in drops, and you should apply them to your dog’s skin on a routine basis, such as once a month. 

Similar to tick and flea collars, topical parasiticides contain chemicals that repel and kill ticks, fleas, and in some cases, mosquitoes. You only need to apply the drops to one spot — usually between the shoulder blades — for the medicine to reach your dog’s sebaceous glands. These oil-producing glands are located just under the skin and will gradually release the medicine from within, even if your dog gets wet.

As always, talk to your veterinarian before starting your pet on any medication. Some topical preventives and treatments are prescription-only, and your vet will know what is best.

Tick and flea collars

Flea and tick collars can be a good option alongside routine parasiticides, especially for those who live in heavily wooded areas. 

There are two types of protective collars: one that releases a substance that repels and kills adult fleas and ticks, and another that deposits a chemical repellent into your dog’s sebaceous glands (similar to topical medication) for longer-lasting prevention. 

However, it’s extremely important to do your research and discuss this preventive method with your vet first. Some flea and tick collars contain chemicals that can be dangerous to you and your pet’s health, so ask an expert before you buy.

All-natural spray

If you prefer an all-natural solution, you can consider essential oils for dogs. While these sprays can aid in flea and tick prevention, remember that they are typically much less effective than the solutions listed above, and not all dogs will do well with this option. Talk to your vet if you’re interested in learning more about all-natural flea and tick prevention options.

How can I tell if my dog has fleas?

As gross as it may be, you should do a thorough check if you suspect your dog may have fleas. Fleas tend to hang out in your pet’s nooks and crannies: think behind the ears, at the base of the tail, in the armpits, and inside any skin folds. If you look closely, they are (just barely) visible to the naked eye.

Keep an eye out for these signs that your dog might be suffering from a flea infestation

• Biting or scratching at their skin
• Irritated areas or ‘hot spots’
• Irregular hair loss
• Visible fleas, flea eggs, or flea dirt

Removing fleas with the paper trick

If your pooch seems uncomfortable and you suspect fleas, it’s time to grab a flea comb and a piece of white paper.

With your dog cozy and relaxed, hold the white paper under the area you want to check. Gently comb through your pup’s fur for tiny black specks that look like dirt. Found some? Move those specks onto a separate, damp piece of paper and wait for the magic to happen.

In no time, the specks will transform from black to red as they process the blood they’ve stored. Unfortunately, that means your pup has fleas and you need to consult with your vet. But if the specks stay dark and black, it’s likely just dirt, and you can breathe a sigh of relief.

How can I tell if my dog has ticks?

If you feel a small lump under your dog’s fur or spot a bulbous black dot, it could be a tick. Unlike fleas, ticks remain latched and can grow in size the longer they remain on your dog’s skin. Ticks can remain embedded for as little as two days to as long as two weeks (not-so-fun fact: ticks actually release anti-clotting agents via their bites, which allows them to keep feeding on your pet’s blood for as long as they please).

Ticks can latch onto pretty much any part of your dog, and they aren’t picky. Make sure to check your dog’s full body for ticks, including between the toes, inside the ears, and under the collar.

Some ticks carry infectious diseases, and they can pass them to your pup. This can occur even after the tick has been removed. Keep an eye out for symptoms of Lyme disease, which include lethargy, loss of appetite, and swollen joints. If you suspect the symptoms are related to a tick bite, however recent, bring your dog to the vet ASAP.

Removing a tick off of your dog

If you find a tick, stay calm and grab a pair of fine-tipped tweezers or a special tick removal tool. You’ll also need some gloves, rubbing alcohol, and a lidded container where you can deposit the tick.

Gently grasp the tick near its head with the tweezers, close to your dog’s skin, and pull it straight out. Be careful not to rush the process: Yanking or pulling on the tick may cause you to remove the body but leave the head embedded in the skin, where it can release disease-causing agents into your pet’s bloodstream. The tick should loosen its bite when it feels pressure, allowing you to remove it intact. 

Be sure not to leave any parts of the tick behind! Any bits left under your pet’s skin can cause infection, and trying to dig them out will only make it worse. If you think the head is still embedded, call your local veterinarian for advice. After you have fully removed the tick, clean the area with disinfectant and save the tick in a plastic bag to bring to the vet for testing. For a step-by-step guide, read more about how to get a tick off your dog.

The final word on preventing fleas and ticks

When in doubt, speak with your vet about flea and tick prevention options. They are the best source of knowledge when it comes to your dog’s health. And don’t forget to check out the Pumpkin Wellness Club for up to $360 in cash back on routine preventive care and discounts on select products your pet will love.

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