Ticks and Fleas cause a lot of misery for you and your dog.  With the weather warming up, nows the time to take preventative action.  Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about these itchy and scratchy ticks and fleas:

How does my dog get ticks and fleas?

Ticks and fleas infest your dog by ambushing them.  Here’s how.  Female fleas lay eggs within your dog’s environment, generally outside.  These eggs develop into adult fleas and they jump onto your dog.  Ticks lie and wait generally in tall grass and wooded areas and wait for your dog to walk by, brushing against the grass and transferring to your dog.

Can my dog get sick from ticks and fleas?

Ticks can transmit a number of serious diseases to your dog including Lyme disease which is serious. If you suspect that your dog has ticks, consult your Vet immediately.  Because fleas inject saliva when they feed, the most common reaction in your dog is an allergy.  Flea allergy dermatitis where your dog bites and scratches is the most common skin disease.

What should I do if my dog gets infected with ticks or fleas?

For more information on ticks and fleas, how and where they grow and spread, take a look at this video