Flea and Tick Prevention for Pomskies

Summer is here which means it is also flea and tick season. Pomsky owners should make sure they know the basics about fleas and ticks so they know what to avoid and what to look for to keep their pomsky healthy. This blog post includes flea and tick prevention for dogs, signs and symptoms of fleas and ticks and treatment options.

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Why is it important to prevent fleas and ticks?

Fleas and ticks live in moist and shady places, such as tall grasses or wood piles. Both fleas and ticks live on the outside of animals and bite their host (dogs) which can lead to many problems. Flea bites can cause skin irritations, allergic reactions, swelling, anemia, and infections. Tick bites can cause vomiting, fever, muscle weakness, seizures and other problems which can be symptoms of a disease the tick is spreading. It is important that pomsky owners prevent fleas and ticks to keep their dog healthy.

Flea & Tick Prevention

You can protect your pomsky from fleas and ticks through a variety of preventative measures.

Medications: Give your pomsky monthly pills to kill fleas and ticks and prevent them. There are also prescription applications that can be applied directly to your dog’s skin and fur. These oral or topical medications typically need to be given each month to ensure your pomsky is protected from fleas and ticks year-round.
Repellants: There are a variety of flea and tick repellant options. These include flea and tick collars, sprays, powders and wipes. These products are designed to have strong scents that repel fleas and ticks. Some flea and tick sprays are also designed to kill fleas or ticks on contact.
Yard Treatment: Spray a pet friendly flea and tick treatment to your yard to prevent flea and tick infestations. These treatments can sometimes be effective in killing other outdoor pests including mosquitos and ants.
Avoid Rolling Around: While you are playing outside with your pomsky, monitor them and don’t allow them to roll around in the grass often. Keep your dog moving and playing fetch, rather than staying in one place or laying down. This will make it less likely that fleas or ticks can attach to your dog’s skin.
Brushing: Brush your pomsky 2-3 times a week, especially if you know they were playing outside for a longer period of time. Use a comb with fine teeth to complete a thorough examination of your pomsky’s fur and skin.

Signs of Fleas

Common signs that your dog has fleas include the following:

Excessive itching and scratching
Biting or chewing on skin
Loss of fur
Irritated skin patches from excessive itching and chewing
Restlessness
Tiny brown insects in your dog’s fur

Signs of Ticks

Common signs that your dog has a tick includes:
A bump on the skin near the head, neck or ears
Licking, chewing, or itching at a particular spot
Loss of appetite
Fever
Swollen skin

Flea and Tick Treatments

It is best to prevent fleas and ticks before they can cause problems for your dog. However, if you do find fleas or ticks on your dog, there are some treatment options including:

Shampoo: Flea and Tick shampoos are often designed to kill fleas and ticks on contact. They also prevent hatching of flea eggs for a certain period of time.
Topical Treatments: There are both over the counter products and prescription treatments that can be rubbed into your dog’s fur and skin to kill fleas and ticks. Some of these products should not be ingested, so it is important to be careful and monitor your dog if you are using this treatment option. Read the directions and warning label on the product you are using to ensure you are using it correctly.
Oral Medications: The monthly oral medications discussed as a preventative measure can also be used to treat fleas and ticks. Many medications start working to kill active fleas and ticks within 24 to 48 hours after the medication is administered.

As always, consult with a veterinarian for specific recommendations for your dog.

Summary

Summer is a great time to play with your pomsky outside, and you will want to make sure you take precautions against fleas and ticks. There are a variety of options to help prevent and treat fleas and ticks on dogs. This post provides information about your options, but you can decide the best plan of care for your pomsky with the help of your veterinarian.