Summer Is Tick Time

Summer is here again and the ticks are back. Yes summer time is a bad time for dogs when it comes to ticks. It’s a known fact that ticks can carry disease so let’s talk about some of the things you can do to keep your dog tick free.

I mentioned that ticks are back because it is summer but actually in some parts of the country ticks are a problem year around.

Ticks are known to carry many different diseases including but not limited to Ehrliciosis, Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Ticks prefer large animals to get their meals and because of that deer and dogs are always a favorite. Because of our deer population ticks are able to thrive. In fact some experts say that we would not have as big of a tick problem if we did not have deer.

So how do you keep these nasty creatures away from your dog so you and your dog will stay safe and healthy? There are a couple of easy ways to do it.

There are products like Front Line that you simply apply to your dog’s skin monthly. These products have been around for years and have done a pretty good job of keeping dogs tick free. However there is always somebody looking for the better mouse trap.

For some dog owners that better mouse trap is Seresto. Seresto is a collar for your dog that will give your dog flea and tick protection for 8 months. A couple of advantages that Seresto offers is the fact that you do not have to remember to use the topical treatment that you have been using in the past.

Seresto can be used on puppies that are 7 weeks and older. You do not have to remove the collar to bathe your dog. However if your dog swims or is bathed once a month or more the duration of the product is reduced to 5 months. Simple fix, take the collar off when your dog swims or gets a bath.

It appears that this product makes protecting your dog year around much easier. No remembering to do it on the first of each month.

Of course it is always a good idea to check your dog for fleas and ticks on a regular basis when you give your dog a few minutes of special attention or when you are brushing.

Does your dog need more training?  If so visit us at Canine Behavior Specialists and give us a call, or for our out of town readers  .

Until next time,

P.S. Do you need some advice from a Canine Behavior Specialist?  If so CLICK HERE now!

About the Author: Wayne Booth is owner of Canine Behavior Specialists in Nashville, TN.  Wayne has been teaching people how to become Professional Dog Trainers since 1990 and he is the Training Director of Canine Behavior Specialists Network.

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