Flea & Tick Control in Dogs

The number one problem seen in veterinary practice during the spring and summer
months is fleas. Your dog may suffer from flea problems if you notice fleas, flea dirt,
intense scratching, biting, reddened areas or hair loss around the back half of the body.
Fleas unfortunately can cause severe skin allergies in many dogs known as “flea allergy
dermatitis.”
These allergic dogs develop secondary skin infections from flea bites requiring veterinary
treatment. Dogs with flea allergies are allergic to the saliva from the flea bite. While some
dogs may tolerate fleas, one flea bite can send a sensitive dog into a scratching and biting
frenzy.

Flea Control

The best way to treat and control fleas and flea allergies in dogs is use of regular
flea control and environmental decontamination.

Topical Flea Control

Topical flea control products are applied monthly as a top spot on the nape of the neck for
year round control. During spring and summer months, these may be applied fortnightly if
fleas are a problem. When using topical flea products, be sure that you are using the
correct dosage for the weight of your dog. Under dosing will result in inadequate
protection.

Oral Flea Control

In severe flea infestations, an oral pill can be administered to your dog for fast killing of
adult fleas only. It is best used in conjunction with other topical flea control products that
target all life cycles of the flea (adults, eggs, larvae and pupae).
Flea Sprays & Rinses
In acute cases, dogs may be treated with commercially available flea sprays and rinses
designed for dogs. These offer a short term solution. Prevention is best with year round
topical flea control products.

Flea Collars

Flea collars may seem like an easier option, but flea collars are ineffective when used
alone. A flea collar is unable to treat the whole dog and can cause skin irritation in some
dogs.

Environmental Flea Control

One must also treat the environment for fleas. Without environmental control, the fleas will
multiply and re-infestations are likely. One must treat all pets in the home. Fleas can easily
spread from animal to animal. All bedding, sleeping areas and kennels should be washed
in hot soapy water. Thoroughly vacuum floors and underneath furniture and dispose of bag
afterwards. In severe flea infestations, one should consider exterminating the home and
yard areas with insecticides designed to kill fleas at all life stages. (Be sure no animals are
in the home when doing this.)

Ticks

Ticks are another common external parasite. There are four major ticks in Australia, but
the paralysis tick (Ixodes holocyclus) is the most dangerous causing paralysis and
eventual death in companion animals. Dogs living or visiting near bushland, coastal, or
park areas are at greatest risk. Notwithstanding, there have been reports of tick paralysis
even in metropolitan cities. If your dog is at risk, use a registered Australian tick control top
spot product and always perform regular tick searches on your dog especially after visiting
ticky areas and promptly remove any ticks that you find. Observe your dog following tick
removal and if your dog shows signs of tick paralysis, seek immediate veterinary care.
Signs of Tick Paralysis:

• Depression • Lethargy • Loss of Appetite • Difficulty Breathing • Coughing • Change in Bark • Drooling or Vomiting • Weakness • Difficulty Walking

Tick burrowing into dogs skin

Tick Prevention & Control

Only registered topical tick products should be used for the control of the Australian
paralysis tick. These topical tick control products are applied fortnightly. There are also tick
rinses for short term control. Prevention is best with regular use of tick control products
and conducting frequent body searches on your dog.

Tick Collars

Tick collars are also available for the control of ticks, but should not be relied on as a sole
means of tick prevention.
When it comes to fleas and ticks, prevention is best before problems occur. There are
many commercially available flea control products used to treat fleas in dogs. A few of
these are also registered to treat both fleas and ticks. Ask your veterinarian if you are
unsure which product is best for your dog.