Pet owners know that summer doesn't only bring warmth, sunshine and late sunsets. It's also the time of ticks, who know how to torment our four-legged friends. Unfortunately, it's very difficult, or even almost impossible, to prevent our pet from being bitten by ticks. The number of bites can be eliminated to some extent and there are several ways to do it.
Everyone can choose what suits them the best
There are several ways to fight ticks and other parasites that make life uncomfortable for us as well as for our animals. Each one has its pros and cons, each one can be used in specific situations and it also depends on what each animal prefers. It is important to know that there are two options for fighting parasites. They can be either repelled or killed. Some products, however, can do both.
Collars
This is a very popular option, mainly because it is so simple to use. All it takes is to put it around the animal's neck and, providing you have purchased a good-quality product, a certain level of protection is guaranteed for several months. The other advantage is its very fast effect, as the collar starts working as early as 48 hours after the application. It is important to make sure that the collar is firmly attached, allowing the active ingredients to be better absorbed into the body. On the other hand, it is these substances that can cause allergic reactions not only in animals but also in humans. You need to be careful, especially if you have sensitive skin, and avoid developing a rash or other discomfort.
Pipettes
This way of applying an anti-tick substance is one of the simplest. The other advantage is their affordability and a lower risk of causing an allergic reaction. On the other hand, the animal is protected for a shorter period of time and during the tick season, it needs to be reapplied more often. The pipettes also become less effective after bathing, when compared to the above-mentioned collar.
Sprays
An absolute classic in the fight against ticks, used by us humans as well. Its main advantage is a simple application: you simply spray it on the animal and that's it. However, it is effective for a relatively short time, especially when compared to the above-mentioned methods. After spraying, the protection lasts for about a week and is shortened even more by bathing. You should also make sure that your pet doesn't have sensitive skin and doesn't suffer from allergies.
Tablets
Another option are tablets with their simple application thanks to being flavoured because dogs see them as treats. You should consult their use with your vet, in order to ensure their correct dosage.
Prevention
Unfortunately, non of the mentioned methods can guarantee your pet complete protection from ticks and other parasites. Remember this especially when taking your dog for a walk in the woods or to a meadow with long grass and therefore a higher concentration of ticks. Check your pet immediately after returning from your walk and remove any uninvited guests with tweezers, a special tick hook or a comb. Disinfect the wound and wash your hands thoroughly.
In the first part of the interview with the Slovak musher Katarina Vigodová, we talked about how to prepare for a skiing trip with your furry friend. Today we are going to hit the skiing trails with Katka. What commands should the dog know? Why are a...
Spring is round the corner together with extreme dog races. What can we look forward to this year? And what is this dog sport all about?
The shared history of humans and domesticated animals is full of interesting facts. Expand your horizons with the following forty interesting facts about pets, spanning over centuries.
Breeding supplies are currently becoming a fast growing sector and as with any other industry, even here we can trace the development trends of new products coming to the market. Let's take a look at the biggest trends in the world of our furry...
An interesting trend brought by the pet industry. Compared to other sectors, this one is growing at a dizzy rate. Why is that? Let's take a look at the newest trends in pet acquisition and adoption, and whether shelters and breeders really are as...
Obesity isn't a civilization problem concerning only humans but also pets. It is a condition where the body receives more energy than it expends. What is the main cause and how to deal with obesity in pets? Answers are provided in the following...
Are you wondering how to create the perfect meal plan for your guinea pig? What is crucial for larger rodents and what is better to avoid? Everything about guinea pig nutritional requirements can be found in the following interview with the breeder...
We've become accustomed to the sight of dogs in public places. Probably everyone has experienced a dog in the workplace, in a park, in a café, etc. Dog owners should therefore always bear in mind the handling and training of their pets. Let's go...
We recently wrote about planned musher races. The canicross events aren't being left behind and the fans of running with a dog have plenty to look forward to this year.
Winter is showing off in all its glory. And winter sports fans are setting off for the mountains. They're often accompanied by their four-legged friends. Especially more and more popular is becoming ski mountaineering. Furry companion's presence is...
For pet owners, smart toilets are a welcome replacement for the traditional litter box, which has to be cleaned every day. You can even control them via a mobile phone application and monitor the frequency of the toilet usage, especially when your cat...
Fresh meat, insect protein or sustainable pet food. New trends in dog nutrition. Adding fresh meat into dog food enhances the taste and smell of the product, but it's also easier to digest.
