Fleas and Lice are both small wingless insects that feed on dead skin or blood of hosts and cause their hosts to itch. Lice are slow moving and sedentary whereas Fleas can jump upto 7 inches and are more difficult to eradicate – especially if they are left untreated and they have chance to spread to carpets and soft furnishings.

 

Ticks are small arachnids that feed on the blood of mammals, birds and some reptiles.

For more information on ticks and lice see https://www.diffen.com/difference/Lice_vs_Ticks

They climb onto their host when the host brushes past the plant they are resting on.

As well as being unpleasant and an itchy nuisance, they can carry serious diseases to dogs and humans

When are fleas, lice and ticks active?

Ticks are commonly more active in spring and autumn but they can be found in favourable environments throughout the year.

How can I prevent my dog from getting ticks, fleas and lice?

Ensure your dogs are protected against ticks, fleas and lice BEFORE they are bitten so that the ticks, fleas or lice are killed as soon as they try to feed on your dog. Preventative products are usually applied to the dog’s skin in a position where fleas crawl and dogs cannot lick the solution.

Treating an animal before they are bitten or infected is effective in stopping problems escalating – e.g. developing serious long term health problems from tick bites and flea or lice infestations (which are a nuisance and can carry diseases to other pets and humans).

NB. Some products can be poisonous if ingested – always read the instructions provided and/or follow your vet’s advice for a any animal treatments.

 

 

What do I do if I find a tick on my dog?

If found on your dog, ticks must be removed, however if done incorrectly  the head may remain attached and/or  parts of the mouth left inside your dog could result in a dog requiring antibiotics, or even surgery so it is important to seek reliable advice on techniques to remove them effectively.