Can my dog get fleas/ticks just by walking around the block? Is 1 monthly bath enough?

Question

Can my dog get fleas/ticks just by walking around the block? There are other dogs in the area (all owned, no strays), he'd be walking on the sidewalk and possibly through other people's yards.

Also, is one bath with flea+tick shampoo enough to prevent/deter fleas and ticks, or do I need medication?

I live in Southern California, by the way. In a busy city.

Answer 1

Dogs of course can get fleas from other dogs....since the fleas can fall off the dog that just passed and your dog comes by and picks it up...but baths aren't that great....first they don't kill fleas at all and you could get a flea infestation without knowing it till they are on your leg...so go to the vet and get the little bottles of flea stuff that is appropriate for your dogs size, age and weight...this will go on his back between his shoulder blades and its good for a month or six weeks. Now depending where you live if you get snow then you don't need it during the winter...my little Chicklet doesn't need that stuff at all I dont't take him where other dogs go in the grass just on pavement...fleas don't live on the pavement...

Answer 2

Yes, your dog can get fleas and ticks from a daily walk. In fact, many times YOU bring fleas in that jump on your pant leg for the ride. Ticks also have a nasty tendency to climb and then drop on the unsuspecting. This is why you have a higher chance of getting them when you walk through woody areas.

I would highly recommend the medication, at least for heartworm prevention. While mosquitoes are the main carriers of heartworms, both fleas and ticks have been known to carry this in the past.

For a shampoo, I would recommend more than 1 bath a month as well, as any medication within will have come off long before the end of the month. Topical treatments such as the drops usually contain oils and other chemicals that force it to bond with the skin and don't allow rinsing easily. If you are relying solely on a shampoo without even a regular spray, you should bathe weekly.

Answer 3

Theoretically, the answer is yes your dog could pick up fleas or ticks just walking around the block. No, one flea shampoo does not cover you for the flea season.

If you live in a neighborhood with a lot of squirrels, racoons, chipmunks or tall unmowed grasses, the likelihood increases. Or if the dogs in your neighborhood are regularly taken to dog parks or forest preserves as part of their routine they are likely to pick up fleas and ticks. If you or your neighbors own horses that are kept at boarding stables and riding is a part of their regular activity, parasites may well come home with them from the stable grounds. So it really all depends on a lot of things.

If you have found a flea on your dog and are concerned, there is a very good shampoo for fleas and ticks that is safe for regularl bathing during the summer months. It kills fleas on contact, is fairly strong smelling but nearly as offensive or harmful to the skin as many of the other products out there. It is only available at your veterinarian and is called " Mycodex with Carboryl" I use it during the summer months when I am taking my dogs to regular outdoor dog shows--that frequently take place at county fairgrounds. Since these sites frequently have summer livestock shows, fleas are always something to watch for. When the dogs come home, they always get a Mycodex bath. You should leave it on for a few minutes and it kills fleas on contact. Actually, I prefer the Mycodex shampoo as a weekly summer regimen and skip the heartworm treatments altogether. Seventeen years of showing dogs has not brought me a single case of household flea infestation, dog infestation, or failed heartworm tests.

Answer 4

Of course. There's no stopping fleas or ticks, even if the dogs aren't strays. But it is of course a better chance that they wouldn't have it. Your dog would probably get tick or fleas from another dog, but also just from walking. My recommendation would to be reduce the baths to once every 2 weeks, and get your dog a flee colar. It really helps my dogs. Also if it still occurs, take your dog to the vet and get flea medication. Hope they get better Good Luck =].

Answer 5

If you aren't going to shop for clothes or anything , i think it will be just enough (it is not a lot of money , but it is enough) Just don't go to really expensive places and especially those extravagant restaurants were food can cost you a fortune ... Be aware that you should also consider the public transport not taxis in order not to spend a lot of money And also , try to plan your whole trip BEFORE going there ... Contact the motel that you are going to stay in (choose wisely because prices vary based on the location of the residence) And last but not least , Have a nice trip ! And enjoy every second in Lebanon , you will be blessed with great weather at this time of the year and if you needed any further information you can ask any question here ...

Answer 6

You should get monthly medication like Frontline. Dont give your dog a bath every month only about 4 a year or their coats will get dry and it will seem like they have fleas but its dry skin. Yes if u dont get medication ur dog could get fleas from the grass. good luck

Answer 7

Yes, it is possible for your dog to get fleas even inside your house. I would recommend a once monthly topical flea tratment like advantix, or frontline.

A flea bath is pretty drying to the skin. I would stick with a gentler shampoo. Once a month is fine for bathing your dog if he doesn't get too stinky. You can also rub him down with cotton balls saturated with green rubbing alcohol and brush him out in between baths.

Answer 8

A dog doesn't even need to go outside to get fleas - indoor animals have plenty of them too.

Flea baths/shampoos are pretty useless. Pet shops are not licensed to sell the appopriate medication to treat and prevent fleas - you need to get a proper treatment from your vet, usually in the form of a spot-on.

Chalice

Answer 9

Yes, Depending where you live fleas & ticks can live in the grass. Also if other peoples dogs have fleas & ticks your dog can get them there.

Answer 10

Your dog can fleas anywhere. Use advantage or frontline. These seem to work the best to my experience. Cut back on the bathing as this can leave your dog with very dry skin. Good luck.