How to Keep Your Beagle Far Away from Tick and Flea Infestation?

Beagles are outdoor pets. Being highly energetic, they just love to run around in open spaces or amongst bushes and grass. They have a highly developed sense of smell and great vision. With their keen sense of smell, they happily follow a scent regardless of where it takes them. Being outdoor wanderers, they are an attractive ground for flea and tick infestations.

Fleas are parasites which make your pet itchy and can lead to infection. The Beagle has a nice short coat which is easy to clean, groom and maintain. Beagles also have a very friendly temperament and get along well with other dogs and cats. They love the outdoors, playing in the dirt, and running amongst the bushes and grass. Fleas are glad to jump onto them and suck their blood. Treat fleas by starting with your pet's bedding, coat, and any other place where fleas can hide.

How to treat a Flea infestation on your Beagle?

Combing removes the adult fleas from the pet's coat. Use a flea comb to trap the fleas between the comb and your thumb. Fleas keep hopping around, so it is necessary to block them and catch them. Adult dogs will stay still during this process while puppies should be given something to chew on to keep them occupied while you comb them.

Flea shampoos are the most effective ways to reduce infestation. Wash your pet's bedding, toys, and the rug where they love to sleep. Vacuum the furniture, and soft furnishings, and use flea powder in areas where vacuuming is not possible. Use a topical medication to prevent fleas. This is usually prescribed by a veterinarian.

Ticks love beagles and they become embedded onto the skin and suck the pet's blood. Daily grooming helps you to find the ticks and remove them. Ticks are usually found around the ears, groins, and hind legs. The dog usually scratches and may become irritable too due to the constant itchy sensation. In some cases, there may be hair loss, and skin may become crusty due to the constant scratching. The abrasion caused by scratching, can open the skin and become a breeding ground for bacterial infection.

When combing the coat, check with your fingers for ticks or hair globules. Pinch the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull it out without twisting or breaking it. Do not use the match stick trick as this may cause the tick to inject some toxins into the beagle's body. The area from where the tick is removed may appear reddish and this redness will subside in a few days time.

Bathe and brush your pet beagle daily, especially if they are used to playing outdoors. If they are more of a house dog, then you may reduce the frequency of brushing and bathing. Look for globules on the coat and treat the coat immediately. A scratch free dog will be a more playful companion for you and your family.