6 Amazing Ways to Get Rid of Fleas and Ticks on Dogs

Fleas and ticks are the nemesis of domesticated dogs all across the world. They not only irritate the canines, but also cause peculiar diseases that can harm your tyke. Even if your furry pal spends most of the time indoors, still there is a potential risk from pathogens that fleas and ticks can carry. Hence, it is important to take these pointers into consideration to get rid of fleas and ticks on dogs:

1. It is very important to groom the pooch and keep him clean and healthy. Remember, canines pick up dirt, debris along with fleas and ticks. When you groom him, there is a window of opportunity to carefully scrutinize for the signs of fleas, ticks or other infestations along with some skin ailments. Utilize a pin brush if you have a long-haired breed and bristle brush for other dog coats. It is important to brush short-haired breeds on a weekly basis, while long-haired breeds like sheepdogs need to be brushed on a daily basis.

2. You can check for ticks on the dog's coat by feeling the bumps. If you find a bump, scrutinize the space for ticks. Even look under the legs, between toes and in the ears of the dog. If you see a tick, put on a pair of gloves and get rid of it. It is recommended to remove the tick using tweezers or a tick remover.

3. While utilizing tweezers, ensure that you hold the tick up, away from the dog swiftly to get rid of the entire tick. It has been observed that sometimes while removing the tick, the head of the pesky parasite can remain attached to the skin of the canine that can lead to infection. 

Hence, while using a tick remover, follow the manufacturer's instruction completely so that you get rid of the whole tick. After taking it out, place it in a small container filled with isopropyl alcohol to preserve the specimen for identification if the tyke develops a tick-borne disease.

4. Flea comb is a tool that can be used to search for fleas on dogs. Run the comb through the fur of the pooch, commencing from the head, working back toward the tail. After a few strokes with the comb, inspect the comb's teeth for fleas. Then dip the comb in soapy water to kill the fleas and then clean it with a rag or cloth. Once you have completed the process to wait for a few minutes and then repeat it. Get rid of the soapy water in the drain and vacuum the area where you combed the doggy.

5. Once the brushing and combing is completed, bath your furry pal. Fill the bottom of the tub with a couple of inches of warm water and then softly lift and place your pooch in the tub. Grasp the pet gently but firmly in the tub thereby praising him. Use a handheld shower nozzle or poured water from a cup to wet the pet, commencing from head and moving towards the tail. Ensure that the water does not enter the canine's eyes or ears. Then apply the dog shampoo on the fur of the pet till the coat is lathered. Rinse the shampoo in the same way as you wet the dog but ensure that the water and shampoo does not enter the eyes or ears. If it is a hot climate, you can even bath your doggy outside, utilizing a garden hose.

6. If you find fleas using a flea comb, utilize a flea and tick shampoo to wash your furry pal. But follow the manufacturer's instruction. Dry the dog's coat using a towel. After the bath, once again brush the coat to keep the fur of the pet from getting matted and to keep his coat shiny.

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Dog Grooming Tips - 5 Things You'd Better Know

So you've decided to go the home dog grooming route in order to save bucks, right? Well, you'll need some good dog grooming tips before you even go near your dog with a pair of clippers or scissors! While dog grooming looks easy, there are some serious pitfalls you need to avoid so that your dog doesn't end up with a bloody paw because you clipped his nail too low. I'll show you the right equipment to use and share 5 dog grooming tips so that your dog is groomed safely and comes out looking pristine.

Dog Grooming Tips: #1 - Equipment

For the absolute best results, you need the right equipment. In fact, use the same equipment the professionals use. Some of these tools should be used on smooth coat dogs. And some should be used on long coat dogs.

· Slicker Brush - The slicker brush is used on long coat dogs. It's designed to prevent matting and remove tangles.

· Bristle Brush - The bristle brush is used on both type dogs. This brush is coarse and is used to remove finer foreign matter off your dog's coat.

· Pin Brush - The pin brush is used for long-haired dogs to remove tangles.

· Stainless Steel Combs - Stainless steel combs are great because they don't rust. They also last a long time. They also come in a variety of sizes and lengths.

· Stainless Steel Scissors - Scissors are used for those hard to reach areas. Buy safety tip scissors if you're trimming in sensitive places or if you have a dog that fidgets.

· Dog Clippers - Specialized clippers have an advantage over barber clippers in that specialized clippers have snap-on attachments which allow for accurate length.

· Rubber Brush - this brush is best used for short-haired dogs. You use it against the dog's hide.

· Stripping Knives - this instrument is used on dogs with wiry coats. Wire haired dogs need their coats stripped every few months. Go in the direction of your dog's grain when using the stripping knife.

Dog Grooming Tips: #2 Nail Clipping

Buy a solid pair of clippers. Flimsy ones will only break after a few uses. When clipping your dog's nails, pay attention to the coloring of his nails. You'll notice that at some point, the nail turns pink. That's called the "live" part of the toe nail. Never clip past that part of the nail, or your dog will bleed.

Dog Grooming Tips: #3 Smooth Coats

When grooming smooth coat dogs, use a rubber brush and bristle brush. Always brush against the dog's grain. Use the rubber brush to remove large foreign matter from your dog's hair. Then us the bristle brush to remove finer particles of hair and dirt. Then use the chamois to polish the dog's coat and give it a glossy sheen.

Dog Grooming Tips: #4 Long Coats

Long coats require grooming twice a week or their hair will matt. Use a slicker brush, bristle brush and steel wide tooth comb. Use the slicker brush daily to ensure the coat doesn't get tangled and matted.

Then use the pin brush, which penetrates the hairs more deeply. Make sure you untangle your dog's hair underneath his legs. Most people neglect that part.

Finally, use the wide-tooth comb to take out any left-over tangles. You can also use a finer tooth comb to give him a glossy finish.

Dog Grooming Tips: #5 Warnings

If you use these dog grooming tips regularly, you'll be able to notice warning signs that your dog may have health problems. For instance, pay attention to your dog's stomach. Make sure there's no flaky, red dry skin or lumps. Wouldn't you rather learn how to deal with minor dog health problems before they become major ones?

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Simple Dog Grooming Basics

Every dog needs to be groomed. Whether you have a shorthaired dog that simply needs to have a brush rubbed over him or a Maltese with a long, flowing coat that requires continual care, your dog needs for you to attend to his grooming needs.

If you have a shorthaired dog then your dog's grooming requirements will be much simpler than those of a longhaired dog. For most shorthaired dogs all that is required is that the dog be brushed regularly. Brushing your dog once a week is usually sufficient. However, there are some shorthaired breeds that can be notorious shedders. Labrador Retrievers, for instance, are, perhaps, the worst shedding dogs of all breeds. They may require daily brushing during some parts of the year to keep their shedding hair from piling up in the house. Other shorthaired dogs, such as the

German Shorthaired Pointer

German Shorthaired Pointer and the Beagle, also shed profusely. So, just because you have a shorthaired dog it doesn't mean that you are off the hook as far as grooming goes.

Collie

If you have a longhaired dog or a dog with a medium length coat you can count on a great deal more grooming. Some dogs with medium length coats, such as the Collie or the Sheltie, nevertheless have a thick double coat so the coat needs frequent grooming to avoid tangles and mats. Many of the Nordic or Spitz breeds also fall into this category.

Dogs with genuinely long coats, such as the

Yorkshire Terrier, the Maltese, the Setters and Spaniels, Afghan Hounds and other dogs, need to be brushed several times per week or even daily.

Boar Bristle Brush

If you're brushing a medium or long coat you can begin with a good brush, such as a boar bristle brush or boar bristles and nylon bristles mixed. (Boar bristles are good for spreading around the natural oils in the coat.) Brush the coat with the texture of the hair in the direction it naturally grows. For dogs with thick double coats you can brush a second time against the grain and then brush back the natural way the hair lies.

Pin Brush for Dogs

For dogs with long, flowing coats you can next use a pin brush to separate out the dog's furnishings and make sure they're free of tangles. The pin brush is a brush set with metal pins that separates the long hair. It should not be used on the dog's body since it will scratch the skin.

Next you can use your comb to gently comb out the long hair.

Dog Comb

All dogs will need to have their ears cleaned, their teeth brushed and their nails trimmed weekly. You can use a good ear cleaner from your vet or find one at your pet supply store. There are good products for brushing your dog's teeth at your pet supply store, too. Most dogs don't mind having their teeth brushed if you use one of the dog toothpastes that has chicken, peanut butter or beef flavor.

Nail Clipper

To trim your dog's nails you can use nail clippers or a rotary nail trimmer. There are several good rotary nail trimmers available to pet owners. They work by sanding the nails down a little at a time. If you introduce the trimmer to your dog in easy stages your dog shouldn't object.

Rotary Nail Trimmer

These are the basics of grooming your dog. Remember that your dog's appearance is a direct reflection on you. Your dog can't do these things for himself. It's entirely up to you how your dog looks. Make him look good.

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