When dogs play outside, they are at risk of attracting fleas and ticks. Dog grooming professionals work hard to keep your pet’s skin and coat clean and pest-free, but they recognize that infestations can happen. Although finding fleas and ticks is frustrating, the insects are interesting to learn about. 

What Every Dog Owner Should Know About Fleas & Ticks

Fleas Don’t Have Wings

Many people wonder how fleas can get into their pets’ fur if they don’t fly. According to dog grooming professionals, these pests get around by jumping. They can reach distances up to 110 times their body length, giving them easy access to your dog, whether they’re leaping from a nearby plant, the ground, or another animal at a pet boarding center.

Fleas Thrive Almost Anywhere

If you find a flea on your pet, booking a dog grooming service might not be enough to resolve the issue. Fleas can infest your whole home quickly and are known to nest in furniture. You may also need to call an exterminator to get rid of these pests.

Fleas Are Among the Oldest Animals on the Planet

Fleas are not a new problem to Earth’s inhabitants. They’ve been around for nearly 165 million years, meaning some of their first hosts were dinosaurs.

Tick Bites Don’t Hurt

Although itching is one of the most common signs of a tick problem, dogs don’t feel it when they’ve been bitten. Tick saliva contains anti-inflammatory and anesthetic compounds, making bites difficult to detect.

Male Ticks Tend to Have Short Life Spans

Ticks mate for life, but that tends to represent a very brief period. Males die after mating, but some live long enough to mate with multiple females. The females die shortly after laying their eggs. 

No matter how interesting these pests may be, bites and infestations can harm your pet’s health. If you are worried about fleas and ticks on your pet, the dog grooming experts at Robinwood Kennel in Highland Heights, KY, will examine your best friend’s coat to make sure it is clean and free from signs of a problem. To schedule an appointment, call (859) 781-2352. Visit the facility online to learn more about their pet care services, including dog day care.