We will admit right away, the title of this blog is a little bit of a trick question.
While other parts of the country have a definitive flea and tick season, here in south Florida things are a little more nebulous. In fact, it may be more helpful for us to refer to “high season” and “low season”. This is because unless we experience and especially hard freeze, you may run the risk of fleas and ticks throughout the year.
Good to Know: High season is considered approximately November through May; low season from June through October.
Why Does it Matter?
Fleas and ticks are more than annoying pests. Not only can their bites cause extreme discomfort (for both dogs and humans) but these insects can also carry and transmit dangerous diseases.
Flea allergy dermatitis is the typical ailment associated with fleas. Though an individual bite from a flea can result in minor skin irritation, some animals may have an allergic reaction to the flea’s saliva – which can significantly amplify the discomfort, itchiness and aggravation your dog is experiencing. Excessive scratching to relieve their agony causes hair loss, which then results in scabs and raw skin as the chewing continues.
Of course, ticks are known for carrying many diseases from Rocky Mountain spotted fever to tick paralysis and babesiosis. The most common disease associated with ticks is lyme disease, which can affect both canines and humans. Lyme disease first manifests with fever, lethargy or skin rash; it can eventually cause lameness, joint pains, and kidney problems.
How to Treat You Dog Prior to Flea and Tick Season
Fleas: There are many commercial alternative to avoid fleas, such as sprays, powders. flea collars, dips and shampoos. Experts agree that the most effective (and safest) treatments for your dog can be obtained by prescription from your veterinarian.
When dealing with an infestation of fleas, it is important to not only treat your pets, but their living area as well. This means attacking areas where the eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults all congregate. Unfortunately, some stages of a flea’s lifespan last for months. This makes repeated treatments and chemicals with residual action are likely needed.
Ticks: Ticks are pesky and dangerous arthropods that prey on any warm-blooded creature that comes within proximity. They are parasitic in nature and attach themselves to the animal to feed. The war against ticks has been raging for decades, and continues today.
Ticks can be carried from one place to another in fur or clothing, so making sure to check for ticks after being in a possible environment is important. (Ticks tend to live in woods, areas of tall grass and low brush.) They should be removed as soon as possible. Ticks can be exterminated by spraying, dipping, bathing, powdering, or applying topical medications. Tick collars or topical products are also available which will help in minimize the occurrence of tick attachment, as well as to encourage any ticks already present to detach.
Did You Know? Many people think the Northeast is the only place that lyme disease carrying ticks are prevalent. However, the deer tick is simply known by another name here in this region – the blacklegged tick. Florida also harbors two other species of tick which carry virus and bacteria – the lone star tick, and the American dog tick.
A visit to your vet will help to clear up any confusion as to which fleas and ticks your dog may be susceptible to, as well as the products most applicable to his needs and our region. Since we don’t have a true lull in flea and tick season, today is a great day to take steps to keep your dog healthy.
Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training is committed to the overall health and well-bring of your dog. If you are looking for caring, compassionate and effective Sarasota or Bradenton dog trainers, call us today.
