Ren's Pets | It’s That Scratchy Time of Year: Flea and Tick

Spot, Stop & Prevent: Your Guide to Flea and Tick Care

Fleas and ticks are common parasites that can cause serious health issues for pets. These pests thrive in different environments and seasons, making prevention and early detection essentials for pet owners.

Pet owners need to be aware of the risks associated with fleas and ticks, how to recognize infestations, and the best ways to protect their furry companions.

Protect Your Pet: What to Know About Fleas & Ticks

Fleas

Fleas are tiny, wingless insects that survive by feeding on the blood of animals. They are fast-moving and can jump long distances, making them difficult to detect. Fleas not only cause discomfort but can also lead to skin infections, allergies, and in severe cases, anemia.

Ticks

Ticks are small, spider-like parasites that attach themselves to an animal’s skin to feed on their blood. Ticks can’t jump, so they typically attach themselves to tall grass and other elevated platforms so that they can opportunistically latch onto your dog or any other mammal that is unfortunate enough to pass by. Unlike fleas, ticks remain attached for long periods, increasing the risk of disease transmission.

Know Your Ticks: Common Species Found in Canada

Several species of ticks are found in Canada, with some posing serious health risks to pets and humans. The most common include:

Blacklegged Tick (Deer Tick) - Found in Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, and the Maritimes, these ticks can carry Lyme disease.
American Dog Tick - Common in Eastern and Central Canada, these ticks do not transmit Lyme disease but can spread other illnesses.
Brown Dog Tick - Found mostly in indoor environments like kennels, this tick can infest homes and is known to spread diseases.
Rocky Mountain Wood Tick - Present in British Columbia and Alberta, this species can transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Ticks are more active in warmer months, but they can survive through mild Canadian winters, making year-round prevention important.

Is Your Pet Itching? Know the Signs of Fleas & Ticks

Fleas

Excessive scratching, biting, or licking
Red, irritated skin, especially near the tail, belly, or ears
Small black specks (flea dirt) in your pet’s fur or bedding
Hair loss or skin infections from excessive grooming
Restlessness and discomfort

Ticks

Visible tick attached to your pet’s skin (common around the head, ears, neck, paws, and between skin folds)
Small bumps or scabs on the skin where a tick has bitten
Lethargy or reduced appetite (in cases of tick-borne illnesses)
Fever or joint pain, which indicate Lyme disease or other infections

How to Treat Fleas & Ticks: What Works Best

If you suspect your pet has fleas or ticks, it’s important to act quickly to prevent discomfort and disease.

Flea Treatment:

Use a Flea Comb- A fine-toothed comb helps remove fleas and flea dirt
Medicated Shampoo- Bathing your pet with a flea shampoo can help kill fleas
Flea Treatments- Flea treatments and flea sprays are one way to kill off any live pests that are causing your pooch discomfort. Topical flea medications are the most effective option for getting rid of fleas at all life stages.
Clean Your Home- Wash pet bedding, vacuum carpets, and treat your home with pet-safe flea sprays to eliminate flea eggs or larvae.

Tick Removal & Treatment:

Ticks, unlike smaller pests, can be easy to spot if you know what to look for. Ticks are large enough that you can see them latched onto your dog's skin. Look for a small brown or reddish lump protruding from your dog's skin or look for unusual dark spots on the skin. Dogs with longer fur need to be checked more thoroughly as the ticks can hide in thicker fur. While tick bites tend to focus on easy-to-reach areas, like the face, ears, neck, paws, and belly, ticks can bite your dog just about anywhere.

Embedded ticks may be partially or completely embedded in your dog’s skin. In some cases, the ticks die while feeding, and you may find a dried dead black tick on dogs. When embedded fully, ticks on dogs may need to be removed by a vet.

Removing a tick as soon as you find it is important. The longer the tick stays latched on to your dog, the more difficult it will be to safely remove it.

To help you properly remove ticks, here are a few tips:

Grab a pair of tweezers. Ideally, ones specifically designed for tick removal, but any tweezers you have on hand will do in a pinch.
Next, grab the tick by the belly and back with the tweezers, applying gentle pressure. If possible, you want to get a good hold but not squish the pest. Try to get as close to your dog's body as you can.
Crushing the tick will release any toxins directly into your dog's open wound. This increases the chance of infection or irritation.
With light pressure, pull the tick straight out; at the same angle that it burrowed in, if possible. Avoid twisting or tilting the tweezers to ensure the whole tick removal tool comes out in one go.
Sometimes, the head and mouth won't release with the body. If the head or mouth are visible at the surface of the skin, you can reach in with the tweezers and attempt to remove them, but if the leftover parts are too embedded, do not try to pry, cut, or squeeze them out.
This could lead to further irritation. Instead, let the wound heal with the pieces left behind. Your dog's immune system will dispose of the organic debris as the wound heals.
Clean the wound with a pet-safe antiseptic.
Keep an eye on the bite site while it heals. Call your vet if you see signs of infection or your pet shows signs of illness.

Keeping Fleas & Ticks Off Your Pet: Before They Start

Use vet-approved preventatives- monthly preventatives (topical, oral, or collars) provide the best protection. Consult a vet to choose the most effective product for your pet.
Regular grooming and inspections- Brush your pet regularly and check for fleas and ticks. Inspect your pet’s fur, ears, and paws after outdoor activities, especially in wooded or grassy areas.
Maintain a clean home & yard- Wash pet bedding frequently and vacuum to remove flea eggs and larvae, and keep your yard well maintained by mowing grass where ticks can hide.
Be cautious in high-risk areas- Fleas and ticks thrive in wooded trails, tall grasses, and areas with wildlife. Use pet friendly tick repellants before hiking or camping.
Monitor for symptoms- Even with prevention, it’s important to watch for signs of fleas and ticks or related illnesses.