Ticks on dogs are a real problem, no matter the time of year, and usually for most owners it means spending lots and lots of money on flea and tick treatments. But did you know? A healthy pet is less likely to have fleas and ticks!
External parasites like ticks on dogs will swarm to an animal whose health is not up to par. It's survival of the fittest out there, and a parasite problem – whether it be fleas, ticks, or worms – can be an indication of a bigger problem!
- The dog food you choose for your pet is extremely important! Choosing brands that indicate the first ingredient as a grain, like corn, rice, or wheat is something you want to stay away from. These are just fillers and unnecessary ingredients in your pet's diet. Make sure the first ingredient is meat and that the food does not contain any of these fillers.
- Skin and coat supplements, like Omega 3 Fatty Acids, are great for promoting healthy skin and coats! Apple Cider Vinegar and Garlic are also great … especially with the fact that they have parasite-repelling properties!
- Immune-boosting supplements help to improve your pet's overall health! Remember, parasites are just like any other disease. Bacteria and viruses attack unhealthy individuals … fleas, ticks, and worms are no different!
- A well-exercised pet is not only a healthy pet, but a happy pet! Daily walks DO make a difference. Not only is it great for the physical well-being of your pet, but an exercised pet is also mentally stimulated!
While improving your pet's health is not the only way to reduce the occurrences of ticks on dogs, it is a very important step in the battle against these pesky parasites. Not only is the health of your pet an important factor, but some of the products that you are using to rid your pets and your homes of parasites play a huge role.
- Spot-on treatments, although chemical-based, have been proven effective at killing ticks on dogs. Beware, however, because while many of these products are fairly safe, some are actually dangerous for our pets!
- There are a lot of natural remedies (which come in recipes that you can make at home or pre-made spot-on treatments) which work fairly well at repelling external parasites when applied to your pet's coats. They will not kill fleas or ticks, but they can help to make your pet's body an inhospitable place to live. They're also a good deal safer than chemical spot-on treatments. There are numerous recipes online for making your own remedy and books that you can read on the subject!