Fleas and Ticks

The lower mainland is not only one of the most popular places for people to live – fleas and ticks like it here, too! Fleas and ticks are probably the most common complaint for dog owners. The good news is that prevention is very safe and can be as easy as giving your dog a monthly treat! Prevention can be safely started as early as 8 weeks of age, since fleas also carry tapeworms and can easily pass them on to your puppy.

How can I tell if my dog has fleas or ticks?

There are a few ways to check if your dog has fleas. One of the simple tests you can do is stand your dog over damp paper towels and give them a good petting or brush to shake up their fur. If a pet has fleas, often there will be flea dirt (feces) that will drop onto the wet paper towel. If there is any, this will turn red, as flea feces are made up of your pet’s blood. This test can also be done by running a flea comb through your pet’s fur and wiping the debris with a wet paper towel.

Ticks can be harder to detect. Until a tick has attached to your pet and begins to feed, they can be quite small and hard to spot. Once attached, they will often be mistaken for a skin tag.

If you are unsure if your pet has fleas or ticks, feel free to contact one of our animal care team members and we can arrange a time for you to meet with them to help.

How can I prevent fleas and ticks on my dog?

Our hospital carries a number of products designed to prevent fleas and ticks, ranging from topicals to tablets. Some only need to be given every three months. Which product works best for you will depend on your dog and their lifestyle. Please contact our office to discuss which option is best for you.