Don’t Let Fleas and Ticks Tag Along: Your Post-Walk Checklist
Crisp air, colorful leaves and trails waiting to be explored make fall a wonderful time to get outside with your dog. Whether you’re strolling through the neighborhood, hiking beneath changing foliage or bringing your pup along for dog-friendly fall festivities, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the season together.
With every outdoor outing, make a quick flea and tick check part of the trip home. Developing the habit of checking your dog after walks, hikes and backyard play can help you spot potential concerns early and keep pest checks on your fall care checklist.
Here’s where to look, what to watch for and how Pure and Natural Pet’s Flea and Tick Spray for Dogs and new Flea and Tick Defense Wipes for Dogs can become part of your dog’s fall care routine.
Where to Check Your Dog for Fleas and Ticks
Fleas and ticks can be difficult to spot, particularly when they are hidden beneath thick fur or tucked into warm, hard-to-reach areas. After a walk or outdoor play session, slowly run your hands over your dog’s body while looking and feeling for unusual bumps, redness or irritation.
Pay extra attention to the following areas:
- Around the Ears: Gently lift your dog’s ears and inspect the edges, folds and surrounding fur. Ticks can hide both around and behind the ears, where they may be harder to notice at first glance.
- Around the Eyes: Carefully examine the area around your dog’s eyes. Look for small bumps as well as redness, swelling or irritation. Avoid applying flea and tick products near the eyes unless the product directions specifically indicate that it is safe to do so.
- Under Collars and Harnesses: Remove your dog’s collar or harness before completing your inspection. Ticks commonly hide underneath straps, where the skin is warm and protected.
- Under the Front Legs: Check your dog’s armpits and upper legs by gently separating the fur and feeling along the skin. Watch for bumps, irritation or excessive licking in this area.
- Between the Toes: Spread your dog’s toes carefully and inspect the skin between the paw pads. Fleas and ticks can hide in these small spaces, particularly after walks through tall grass, wooded areas or brush.
- Behind the Legs: Examine the backs of both the front and hind legs. Move slowly and feel for anything unusual beneath the coat.
- At the Base of the Tail: Lift your dog’s tail and inspect the surrounding fur and skin. The base of the tail is a warm, protected area that can attract fleas.
- On the Head and Along the Back: Run your hands over the top of your dog’s head, neck and back. Look closely for visible insects, small dark specks, scabs, irritation or raised bumps beneath the fur.
What to Look For
In addition to visible fleas or ticks, watch for changes in your dog’s skin or behavior.
Potential signs that something may be bothering your pet include:
- Redness or swelling
- Small bumps or scabs
- Excessive scratching, biting or licking
- Irritated or sensitive skin
- Unusual dark specks in the coat
- Changes in your dog’s comfort or behavior
Regular checks can also help you become more familiar with your dog’s skin and coat, making it easier to notice when something looks or feels different.
Add an Extra Layer of Defense Before Outdoor Time
A quick inspection after outdoor activities is an important habit, but you can also incorporate flea and tick defense products into your dog’s routine before heading out for fall walks and adventures.
Pure and Natural Pet Flea and Tick Spray for Dogs offers an easy way to apply protection across your dog’s coat before neighborhood walks, fall hikes or backyard playtime. Simply follow the directions on the bottle and apply as instructed, paying attention to areas where pests commonly hide.
For quick, targeted application, Pure and Natural Pet’s brand-new Flea and Tick Defense Wipes for Dogs provide a convenient alternative. The pre-moistened wipes are ideal for applying product to areas such as the legs, paws, belly and around collars or harnesses. They are also easy to keep near the door or pack in your bag for autumn hikes and dog-friendly fall outings.
The spray and wipes can be used based on your dog’s needs and your family’s routine. The spray is especially convenient for broader coat coverage, while the wipes make it easy to reach specific areas with less mess.
Make Flea and Tick Checks Part of Your Routine
Your post-walk check does not need to be complicated or time-consuming. Keep your Pure and Natural Pet Flea and Tick products near your dog’s leash, then complete a quick inspection each time you return home.
A few extra minutes before and after outdoor time can help pet parents feel more prepared for leaf-filled walks, autumn hikes and all the adventures fall has to offer.