Chiggers Ticks and Fleas Are Not Your Friend

Chiggers and fleas will present a problem even when it is still fairly chilly outside and now that summer is almost officially here they are out with a vengeance. They will attack even the biggest dog, but puppies are more vulnerable. Since puppies are small, their whole body is wiggling through the new grass and they are more likely to find a stray flea, a family of chiggers or a nasty tick. If your dog has white fur or has white fur on its legs they are even more prone to these nasty visitors.

Fleas can lead to a host of health problems from a tiny puppy all the way on up to a giant Great Dane. Some dogs are allergic to flea bites and can develop flea bite dermatitis. The puppy’s skin will turn red and he will scratch like crazy. Left unattended the lesions can become infected and make the puppy very sick. Check the puppy over carefully once he comes in and be sure to practice safe flea control. Fleas can also cause anemia which in small puppies if not treated immediately could become fatal. In bigger dogs they are better able to deal with anemia but like with people it can turn dangerous very quickly.

Chiggers can also drive a puppy crazy. Remember again, that he is small and close to the ground, so he becomes an easy buffet for chiggers. If you have several dogs that are rolling and playing together in underbrush, they can all get bitten by chiggers.

Chiggers are tiny little mites that will bite and cause intense itching. You may see a small bump where the puppy is trying to bite or scratch. Some people don’t think about dogs having chiggers but it is entirely possible and extremely uncomfortable.

Ticks can be hidden in grassy areas and can even be blown around in the wind and land on your dog. They are especially nasty little critters because while they are feeding off of the dog’s blood, they can also be giving her any of several diseases. Two diseases attributed to a tick bite are Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Both of which require immediate Vet visits to receive treatment.

Ticks will burrow their head into the dog’s skin. When you remove a tick, you need to make sure to remove the head as well. One method is to soak a cotton ball in liquid soap and hold it over the tick. The tick will pull its head out and you can pinch it in the cotton ball and then dispose of it. It is important to check your dog for ticks daily. If you catch them on your dog quickly enough they do not have enough time to transfer the disease to your dog.

Check, Comb, and Brush after outdoor fun to check for fleas and ticks!
It’s a good idea to examine any dog after they have been outside to play, especially young puppies whose immune system hasn’t had time to develop. Check their skin and fur for signs of critters crawling around. Comb a long haired puppy or dog with a flea comb to dislodge and trap any fleas that might have hitched a ride.

Check the dog’s body all over for signs of ticks. Be sure to pay attention to the tail area, inside the dog’s ears and under their arm pits.

If you have an older dog that wanders around and runs through fields and grassy spots, he can be a prime target to pick up fleas, chiggers and ticks. Older dogs should also be checked thoroughly when they come back into the house.