Pesky Parasites: The Best Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Prevention for Dogs

A staggering 2,200 species — that’s the number of known flea species in the world.

There are also the 865 species of ticks worldwide, 80 of which live in the United States.

Let’s not forget worms, including the potentially deadly heartworm. There are also many species of hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms.

These parasites affect not only humans but also animals, including household pets. In dogs, parasite infestation and worm infection can cause tragic outcomes.

This is why you should know the best methods for flea, tick, and heartworm prevention for dogs. Besides, it’s easier to protect dogs from these parasites than to get rid of these pests.

Ready to protect Fido and your entire family from the health hazards of dog parasites? Then let’s dive right into it!

The Dangers of Fleas, Ticks, and Heartworms in Dogs

Be it fleas, ticks, or worms, you don’t want any of these in your dogs and your home. They are a serious health hazard in dogs, but they could also be dangerous to humans.

Fleas

Fleas are blood-sucking parasites that can cause more than just anemia in dogs. Their “bites” could be very itchy and irritating, and not only on dogs but humans too. Constant scratching can lead to skin diseases and infections.

Worse, fleas can transmit tapeworms into canines and humans.

Ticks

Like fleas, ticks are also blood-sucking parasites in dogs that can also affect humans. They also transmit many types of diseases, including Lyme disease, babesiosis, and ehrlichiosis. Ticks are also the culprit behind the Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

Heartworms

Heartworm is a specific type of roundworm known as “D immitis”. In dogs, these parasites cause the “heartworm disease”. It’s a deadly condition that causes blocked pulmonary arteries and severe weight loss.

As you can see, these parasites could leave more than just itchy bites on your pet and your skin. That’s why protecting your furry family members from these pests should be a top priority.

Get Your Pet on a Medicated Flea, Tick, and Worm Prevention Program

A combination of medicated treatments prevents fleas, ticks, and worms in dogs. Some of the best medication-based preventative programs even protect against mosquitoes.

Combination parasites medications come in tablets and topical applications. What’s great about them is their multi-action effects administered in a single dose. This means that your pets can enjoy multi-layered protection with a single visit to the vet.

All of these provide flea, tick, and heartworm protection. However, there are others that go the extra mile and also kill many other species of worms. These include hookworms, roundworms, tapeworms, and whipworms.

Talk to the veterinarian about getting this multi-protection program for your dog. Since these are potent medications, some will require a vet’s prescription.

Identify Your Dog and Keep Fleas and Ticks Away With a Flea Collar

A flea collar is an affordable yet proven effective way to keep these dog parasites at bay. Be sure to look for a collar that contains imidacloprid/flumethrin. While these are insecticides, studies confirm that they are safe for dogs and cats.

Moreover, researchers found these to be up to 100% effective in preventing fleas and ticks in dogs. Moreover, these effects lasted for up to eight months.

Another study found that such collars are 95% effective against fleas and flea eggs in the first 24 hours. Within an eight-month period, their efficacy further improved to over 99%. The scientists also found 100% effectiveness against ticks and mites for eight months.

Since flea collars are still collars, then they’re still a way to identify your furry pal. Plus, you’ll find these in a variety of designs and sizes, so you can make sure your dog will stay comfy while wearing it.

Give Your Furry Pals Regular Baths

Regular bathing with antiparasitic shampoo will kill fleas and ticks on contact. The medication in the shampoo also works to make your pets less attractive to pests. Regular baths also keep your dog’s coat and skin clean, which helps keep skin infections at bay.

How often to give your canine pals a bath depends on their breed, their coat, and their lifestyle. In most cases, the shorter the hair, the less frequent they need bathing. However, experts say that hairless breeds like the Chinese Crested need more care.

Dogs with medium to long coats should take a bath at least every month. For the rest, the recommendation is at least once every three months.

If your dog leads an active lifestyle though, more frequent baths are in order. Especially after playing at the dog park, in wooded or grassy areas, or at the beach. These are some of the top places where fleas and ticks love to congregate.

Comb Out Those Parasites While Also Preventing Tangles

A flea comb has very fine teeth that collect fleas, flea larvae, and even flea dirt. It also helps unravel tangles, but make sure you use a wider-spaced comb first for bigger locks. If possible, use this special grooming tool at least once a week or right after your dog played outdoors.

Follow These Top Tips for Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Prevention for Dogs Now

There you go, your ultimate guide on the best methods for flea, tick, and heartworm prevention for dogs. You no doubt want to prevent infestations, as this also helps keep parasite illnesses at bay. Moreover, infestations won’t only affect your dog — fleas and ticks can also jump on and bite you.

Parasite infestations are also difficult to get rid of without professional pest control. That’s why you shouldn’t let these hitch a ride on your furry pals in the first place. The earlier you follow these preventative tips, the better for you, your family, and your pets.

Ready for more health and safety tips for your beloved canine pals? Then be sure to check out the rest of the posts filed under this site’s Health section!

FAQ’s

How big are Shih Tzu?
The Shih Tzu is a snugly built little animal with a solid, sound structure. It stands from about 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulders and should weigh from 9 to 16 pounds. Its body length is slightly greater than its height, and it should be physically proportional all over, not too short or too small, but a true miniature breed dog. In movement, it moves with effortless, smooth strides, showing good drive and reach, with the head and tail held high, giving away its ancient royal bloodline.

Where does the Shih Tzu come from, and why was the breed developed?
The Shih Tzu lineage is hotly debated; however, one theory is that the Shih Tzu descended from a cross between the Pekingese and Lhasa Apso breeds. This cross breed that would eventually become Shih Tzus, were favourites of the Chinese royals and so prized that, for years, the Chinese refused to sell, trade, or give any away.

The first dogs of the breed were imported into Europe in 1930 and were classified by the Kennel Club as “Apsos”. The first European standard for the breed was written in England in 1935 by the Shih Tzu Club, and the dogs were categorised again as Shih Tzu. The breed is now recognized by all of the major kennel clubs in the English-speaking world.

How is Shih Tzu pronounced, and what does it mean?
The most common and incorrect pronunciation of Shih Tzu is: Sh*t Zoo however, that isn’t actually how the little lion breed is supposed to be announced. According to the American Shih Tzu Club, the official and publicly confirmed pronunciation of Shih Tzu is: “Sheed-zoo."

The name comes from the Chinese language word for "lion" because this kind of dog was bred to resemble "the lion, as in traditional oriental art". Interestingly they are also known by another name tied to their European introduction. The Shih Tzu is sometimes called the Chrysanthemum Dog, a nickname that describes the way the hair on their face grows out in all directions. They look like a flower with a nose for the centre.

For more than one Shih Tzu, do you say Shih Tzus?
The age-old question, it is Shih Tzu or Shih Tzus? When writing or saying the plural of Shih Tzu, it is a common mistake for a person to write or say Shih Tzus, as one would think this is the normal way to put the dog in their plural form, and in fact, it is so common that I wouldn’t be surprised if we have even made such a slip up in this very article. However, the correct way to say Shih Tzus is Shih Tzu, due it being an irregular noun, allowing the plural of Shih Tzu can be Shih Tzu, just like ‘fish and fish’. With two or more Shih Tzu, there does not need to be an ‘s’.

What colours do Shih Tzus come in?
The Shih Tzu is a breed that can be found in an array of colours and with a variety of markings. It's common for owners to not know for sure what colour their Shih Tzu is. Sometimes a puppy may be referred to as an unofficial colour that is not recognized by the AKC, or another kennel club, through which the pup is registered. And in other cases, there can be some confusion when the colour listed on the papers does not seem to match what is seen. In addition to this, it's common for Shih Tzu dogs to change colour as they grow and mature, meaning that your little snowball of joy may turn sooty in their old age.

How much attention does a Shih Tzu need?
Despite their small stature, Shih Tzu are relatively active dogs. Puppies can be extremely hyper and adults are most content when given opportunities to release stored-up energy and be out and about. Without regular moderate exercise, a Shih Tzu can start to feel pent up and frustrated. This can manifest as behaviours such as excessive barking or destructive chewing.

Aim to take your little guy or gal for a minimum of two 20 to 30-minute walks per day, along with sessions of play like fetch to meet exercise requirements for this breed. If so, this will allow your Shih Tzu to enjoy being inside at home, able to relax beside you (or at your feet) and with a calmer disposition.

Do Shih Tzu get along with other pets?
In general, the Shih Tzu gets along quite well with other dogs, large and small. Shih Tzu rarely suffer from the ‘short leg syndrome’ common in small dogs, and more often than not, are simply little bundle of love.

However, every dog has their own personality, and it will depend on how well your dog as well as the other dogs have been socialized. Overall the Shih Tzu breed is calm and very playful and enjoys a variety of canine friends. But keep in mind each dog has their unique personality and circumstances. To say they will all behave exactly the same isn’t very realistic.

How do I provide the best care for a Shih Tzu?
Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Watch their diet, make sure they get plenty of exercise, regularly brush their teeth and coat, and call a veterinary clinic or pet emergency hospital when something seems unusual.

It is also a good idea to create a routine for your Shih Tzu to lessen their anxiety and ensure they live a happy and calm life. Build their routine care into your schedule to help your Shih Tzu live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during their lifetime. Most importantly a proper diet and exercise routine is key to the long-term health of your pet.