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Fleas and ticks are common parasites that affect dogs of all sizes and breeds. These parasites can cause a wide range of health issues for your pet, from skin and coat problems to potentially life-threatening illnesses. That's why it's so important for pet owners to be aware of the signs and symptoms of fleas and ticks, as well as the best preventative treatments available.
Colorado Springs has a unique environment, when it comes to risks for fleas and ticks. While the usual cat and dog flea is rare, we have an abundance of rabbit, rodent, and prairie dog fleas, that typically show up in much lower numbers. These still can cause significant skin disease, and still can infest your environment. Also, our large military population means it is possible for fleas and other parasites to hitch-hike in on pets from other parts of the country.
Ticks have also recently made a move into the city, as we continue to expand our homes closer to wildlife interfaces. With an increase in encounters with deer, rabbits, foxes, and rodents, we also see an increase in tick infestations. Prior advice focused mostly on dogs that spent time in the mountains, but now, we see tick infestations in dogs that spend time in their own backyards or on neighborhood walks. Recommendations have also changed from seasonal flea and tick prevention to year round protection, as our winters have seen temperatures swing from below freezing to 50 degrees within a single month. If it is over 50 degrees, ticks are active and looking for their next meal.
In this article, we'll discuss the risks of fleas and ticks, the difference between over-the-counter and prescription flea and tick medications, and the veterinarian-recommended treatments for fleas and ticks. We'll also provide tips on identifying fleas and ticks on your dog and what to do if you spot them. If you live in Colorado Springs, CO, North Powers Animal Hospital is here to help you keep your pet safe and healthy. Call (719) 212-1857 to schedule an appointment.
How Does My Dog Get Fleas and Ticks?
Dogs can get fleas and ticks in various ways, often through contact with other infested animals or the environment. Fleas are found almost everywhere in the United States, at any time of year, and can hitchhike their way into your home through socks, pant legs, and shoes. Ticks crawl onto tall grass and bushes, waiting for a host to pass by. They also can be picked up outside during contact with other animals. Since Colorado Springs has such a big wildlife interface, ticks can hitch a ride on deer, foxes, raccoons, rodents, and rabbits into backyards, parks, and neighborhood walkways, where they lay dormant, waiting for the next warm-blooded mammal to walk past. Not all stages of ticks are easy to identify: adults are large and typically quite visible, but the larval and nymph stages that also feed on dogs can be almost invisible.
Can Fleas and Ticks Spread from My Dog to My Home and Family?
Unfortunately, yes. Fleas and ticks can spread from pets to humans (and vice versa), resulting in discomfort and health risks. Fleas can lay their eggs on pets, which can then fall off onto furniture and carpets. These eggs can lie dormant before hatching into larvae and developing into adult fleas. 90% of a flea infestation is actually found in the soft surfaces of your home - only 10% is on the animal itself. Dogs can also carry ticks into homes, which can spread to the humans, cats, and other animals in the home. Ticks drop off after feeding, so they can fall off throughout your home.
Can My Dog Get Fleas and Ticks if They Are Primarily an Indoor Dog?
Contrary to popular belief, indoor dogs are not exempt from the risk of flea and tick infestations. Fleas and ticks enter homes by hitching a ride on humans or pets or even through wildlife that roams near homes. You or your dog can pick up fleas or ticks during walks, visits to the park, and more. Ticks live in tall grasses, while fleas are often found in carpets and furniture. Fleas and ticks are most common during warmer weather but can survive indoors during colder months. Therefore, even indoor dogs need protection from these parasites.
What Health Problems Can Fleas and Ticks Cause My Dog?
Fleas and ticks can cause a multitude of health problems in dogs. Flea infestations can lead to tapeworm infestations, canine bartonellosis, anemia, and flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) - an allergic reaction to the flea saliva. Ticks in Colorado can cause tick paralysis, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis as the most common diseases. While we recently detected ticks in Colorado that have the ability to carry Lyme disease, we have not yet found those ticks spreading it among our canine patients. Colorado is, however, considered a new "hotspot" for Anaplasma and Ehrlichia, with 1 in 50 dogs tested showing positives for exposure to Ehrlichia and 1 in 100 dogs testing positive for Anaplasma so far in 2026.
Ehrlichia and Anaplasma are bacterial diseases that cause fever and can attack the immune cells of the body as well as the platelets responsible for clotting the blood when needed. They are typically hard to detect until the infection is well established. Our annual heartworm tests also test for exposure to Ehrlichia and Anaplasma. If your pet tests positive, we will investigate to determine if the infection is present in your dog's body, or if their immune system has been able to successfully defend against the challenge. However, if your dog does test positive, it means they have been bitten by a tick at least once in their life.
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What Is the Difference Between Over-the-Counter and Prescription Flea and Tick Medications?
Over-the-counter (OTC) flea and tick medications are readily available without a prescription. These products are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and typically include flea and tick sprays, shampoos, dips, collars, and some "spot-on" treatments. While OTC products may offer convenience, they often have limited efficacy due to resistance and lack of residual effect. These may take an extended time to kill off a tick that has bitten your pet, allowing that tick to transmit bacterial infections, even if it is killed off later.
Prescription flea medications require a licensed medical professional's prescription before they can be dispensed. These medications are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and often require closer regulation and oversight to ensure safe usage. They come in various forms, such as chews, topical 'spot-on' treatments, and injections. Prescription products also typically have the backing of more comprehensive safety and efficacy studies compared to OTC products, making them a safer option.
What Different Types of Flea and Tick Preventative Treatments Are There?
At North Powers Animal Hospital, we understand that each pet is unique, which is why we offer a variety of effective flea and tick prevention options. Flea and tick preventative treatments can be divided into three main categories: oral, topical, and injectable.
Oral preventatives are eaten by the dog and offer full-body protection. These treatments kill fleas within four hours of ingestion and disrupt the flea life cycle by killing them faster than they can lay eggs. One of the biggest benefits of the newer generation of oral flea and tick medications is that they paralyze the tick very quickly after it bites, reducing the risk of them transmitting bacteria or consuming a blood meal from your pet, even before they are killed off. These are given as chewable tablets, and can be combined with heartworm medications for more comprehensive coverage.
Topical treatments are applied directly to the skin to repel fleas and prevent tick attachments. These have some limitations, particularly in their lack of ability to paralyze the tick to prevent bacterial infection. However, for some patients, these are the safest option, particularly for patients with certain medication sensitivities.
The newest generation of flea and tick preventative is an injectable medication, Bravecto Quantum. This protects against fleas and ticks for 12 months out of the year for the majority of external parasites found here in Colorado, and can offer protection against other Colorado specific parasites like bot fly infestation. This can be given at your pet's annual appointment.
Choosing the right product involves considering your dog's age, breed, lifestyle, and health status. Some products may not be suitable for very young or old pets, and certain breeds may be sensitive to some ingredients. That's why consulting with your vet is so important when choosing a flea or tick prevention method for your canine companion.
How Can I Identify Fleas on My Dog?
Identifying fleas is the first step toward controlling them. Excessive itching, skin irritation, redness, or scabs are all signs of a flea infestation. Fleas are tiny, dark insects smaller than ants and are often found in warm and protected areas like a dog's armpit and groin. Flea dirt, or excrement, also appears as tiny black specks that look like finely ground black pepper. When sprinkled with a little water, these specks turn a dark reddish-brown color. One practical method to identify fleas is by using a flea comb. Start close to the skin and work the comb through your dog's hair. If your dog has fleas, the comb's fine teeth should capture some.
How Can I Identify Ticks on My Dog?
Ticks usually attach around a dog's head, neck, and ears, but can be found all over the body. You can identify them by their small size (about the size of a sesame seed) and dark color. Ticks attach themselves to your pet's skin and feed on their blood. If you see an attached tick, removing it as soon as possible is important. A tick removal tool is the safest way to do this, to ensure the mouthparts are not left behind.
What Should I Do If I See Fleas or Ticks on My Dog?
If you've found fleas or ticks on your dog, taking immediate action is important. A flea comb helps remove existing fleas, and warm soapy water kills them on contact. For ticks, use a tick removal tool to grab the tick at the base where it has burrowed into the skin and lift it with steady, firm upward pressure. Be sure not to twist or crush the tick, as this can cause disease transmission.
Ask your veterinarian for appropriate treatment options and preventative measures tailored to your dog's needs and lifestyle. At North Powers Animal Hospital, we are committed to providing your pet with the highest quality care and best service possible. We offer a variety of flea and tick treatments that are safe, effective, and affordable.
Conclusion
Fleas and ticks are common parasites that can have serious health implications for your pet. It's important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of fleas and ticks, as well as the best preventative treatments available. Injectable, oral and topical medications all have a different place in the protection of your pet. However, it's essential to consult with a licensed vet to ensure you select the right product for your furry family member.
If you live in or near Colorado Springs, CO and are looking for quality pet care, come visit us at North Powers Animal Hospital where your pet is our priority. Contact us at (719) 212-1857 to set an appointment, or email us at [email protected]. Our staff would love to talk with you!