August is also Itchy Pet Awareness month, although fleas and ticks are prevalent in Hawaii at all times of the year. These pests can easily attach to your dog’s fur, and they cause a lot of skin irritation. The use of flea & tick medication is important to keep these pesky parasites at bay and prevent other issues.

Complications of Fleas and Ticks

Fleas and ticks are more than just a nuisance. Their presence causes a lot of irritation, and one of the biggest issues they cause is itchiness. For some dogs, they scratch so much that they break the skin. This can lead to open sores and, ultimately, infection. This is not the only issue with these pests, however.

Along with causing uncontrollable itching, fleas and ticks are carriers of malaria-like diseases, Lyme disease and bacterial infections, and they can transfer them to your furry friend. They also drink a substantial amount of blood, which can cause your dog to have anemia or other health complications.

Types of Flea & Tick Medication

Because of the damage and health complications fleas and ticks can cause, medication is one of the best options for prevention. Due to Hawaii’s year-round temperate climate, medication should be used all the time.

When it comes to prevention, oral or topical medication are both used as treatment options depending on the situation and which treatment method would be most effective. There are shampoos, powders and spot-on treatments. Spot-on treatments tend to be the most effective, and they last longer than the other options.

Pills are another option. Flea pills help fight off the parasites, and they can eliminate them within around four hours. There are also chewable tablets available.

Another preventive option for both fleas and ticks is a collar. Flea and tick collars last for months, and they prevent the pests from attaching to the dog. There are also collars that can treat infestations.

Additional Flea and Tick Prevention Methods

Medication is an effective form of prevention, but there are other things dog owners can do to prevent a dog from being exposed to fleas and ticks. Some of them include:

•       Keeping a well-maintained and mowed lawn

•       Removing palm fronds, dead leaves and grass clippings from the yard

•       Keeping the dog from wandering into wooded areas or tall grass

•       Using a flea comb to regularly brush through your dog’s fur

•       Washing your dog’s bed on a weekly basis

Let Us Help With Your Pooch’s Flea and Tick Needs

Flea and tick infestations can cause a lot of damage. Whether your dog is currently suffering from fleas and ticks or you are looking for the best prevention method, we can help. Schedule an appointment at one of our three locations in Waipahu, Wahiawa or Kailua, and let our vet professionals take good care of your furry friend.