We love spending time in our gardens and outdoor spaces, and so do our dogs. But our love for the outdoors comes with its own set of challenges for our four-legged friends, particularly when it comes to fleas and paralysis ticks. More than just a seasonal nuisance, these pests can be a threat to dogs’ lives.
Whether you live near the city, coast, or country, fleas and paralysis ticks remain a persistent problem. As dog owners, we understand our pets are active throughout the year, and unfortunately so are fleas and paralysis ticks. So, it’s important to take proactive steps to help protect your environment from these pests so you can keep your dog happy and healthy.
We’ve rounded up some easy tips to help you keep your dog safe. By integrating a few home and garden practices you can create a healthy dog haven.
1. Daily paralysis tick checks
Paralysis ticks are active all year round and just one female adult tick can cause paralysis. So, it’s important to look for ticks every day on your dog and remove any you find immediately. As 80 percent of ticks attach in front of the shoulders, you should pay close attention to areas like the ears, neck and paws, and always remember to part the fur.
2. Regular grooming
Regular grooming and brushing have many health benefits for your furry friend. It helps to minimise shedding and helps you to spot and remove paralysis ticks before they cause further harm. If you do find a paralysis tick on your dog, be sure to contact your vet.
3. Discourage fleas and paralysis ticks in your home
Even dogs that never go outdoors are still at risk from fleas and ticks that can easily hitchhike their way into our homes and onto our pets.
Fleas happily exist indoors, living in carpets, bedding and under furniture. Just one bite from a paralysis tick can be fatal and while they prefer to live outdoors, they can actually hitchhike their way inside via people and their belongings (bags, shoes and so on).
Some tips to reduce flea burdens inside, include regular vacuuming and washing of pet bedding on a hot wash and where possible, dry the bedding in a clothes dryer on high heat for 15 to 20 minutes.
4. Maintain the garden
Of course, the garden is the main hotspot. Fleas and ticks thrive in areas with leaves and debris, which gardeners might overlook. Tall grass and overgrown shrubs can be a haven for paralysis ticks. Wildlife and neighbourhood animals can also be sources of fleas and paralysis ticks in your garden. However, there are a few ways you can keep fleas and paralysis ticks at bay.
– Install a barrier between wooded areas and areas with tall grass using mulch or gravel
– Keep the grass short and bushes trimmed
Tall grass can be a haven for paralysis ticks and one of the best preventative measures is to keep the garden tidy and the grass short, to help keep pests away.
– Introduce plants that repel fleas and paralysis ticks
In the garden, introducing the right plants and herbs may help. Rosemary is a great natural flea and tick repellent, as is Wormwood. Native trees such as Eucalyptus and Angophora are also less likely to attract paralysis ticks due to their well-spaced leaves.
– Avoid certain plants and species
As well as planting the right deterrents, knowing which plants to avoid can also make a big difference. Plants with dense foliage can attract fleas and paralysis ticks as they are drawn to moisture and shade, so if you are planting a new garden you may wish to avoid these. It is also important to note that while plants may be helpful in controlling these nasty parasites, they should not be a replacement for year-round flea and paralysis tick protection and daily checks for ticks.
– Know where flea havens can flourish
Fleas like to hide in dark and damp areas around your home and garden, common areas can include under decks and fence lines. Keeping these areas clear and free from debris can help prevent fleas from taking over.
5. Consider year-long protection
Year-round flea and paralysis tick preventative treatments are available at your vet. Speak to them about the longest lasting protection available to ensure peace of mind knowing that your dog has uninterrupted year-round protection no matter where they are.
At your next check-up, ask your vet for the longest-lasting flea and paralysis tick protection for your dog.
MSD Animal Health is a research-driven company that develops, manufactures and markets a broad range of veterinary medicines and services.
