How to Protect Your German Shepherd From Flea and Tick Infestation?

Your German Shepherd is more prone to developing flea, ticks and other parasites during the spring months when the weather becomes warmer. Fortunately, there are many treatment options for your pet including keeping your pet away from tall grasses and wooded areas where they are more prone to becoming potential hosts for hungry ticks and fleas. There are three types of tick and flea control, topical and oral preventives, flea collars or flea shampoos and sprays.

Topical and Oral Preventives

Flea and Tick Control for German ShepherdThe most popular option among pet owners are topical and oral preventatives, this is because of its ease of use and duration. Topical options should be applied to your dog's back, parting the coat to ensure it reaches the skin underneath. It is important to carefully read the label, as some topical preventatives kill fleas and ticks, whilst others may only kill fleas. Powders are easy to apply, yet they may also be messy. They usually contain pyrethrin which should be avoided if your pet has asthma, as the product can be easily inhaled. There are products available which can be applied directly to the carpets and upholstery. Oral methods are usually taken once a month and include popular brands such as Frontline, Advantix and Bio Spot.

Flea Collars

An alternative approach for your German Shepherd, includes the use of flea collars which can prove highly effective. However, flea collars may cause irritation and pet owners should regularly examine the area beneath the collar and remove the collar if there are signs of this. Flea collars may contain ingredients such as carbamates and pyrethroids, and may last up to three months. There are also electronic flea collar options.

Flea Shampoos and Sprays

Bath your German Shepherd using a flea shampoo if they show signs of flea or tick infestation. This can help to remove the infestation, but it will not offer long-term preventative measures. Adult fleas live on your dog, while their eggs and larvae tend to live in the immediate environment such as carpets, furniture, rugs, and your backyard. To use the flea and tick shampoo correctly, apply the shampoo all-over your pet's body and leave it on for at least 10 minutes before you rinse your pet. Flea and tick sprays come in aerosols or pump bottle form. Be careful not to get the sprays in your dog's eye as this may cause irritation. There is no need to soak the dog with the spray, but it should cover the entire body. When applying to the eye and ear area, take care and apply a small amount to a rag and rub gently. It is always best to follow manufacturer's instructions.
How to Protect Your German Shepherd From Flea and Tick Infestation? How to Protect Your German Shepherd From Flea and Tick Infestation? Reviewed by Mark Williams on 23:04 Rating: 5

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