Vets can easily find fleas on dogs if there's a large population, as they are visible to the naked eye. However, if there's a small population of fleas, it might be more difficult to spot the live adult fleas. In this case, vets look for flea dirt, which appears similar to regular dirt but dissolves into a rust or red stain when water is added. This is because flea dirt is made of digested blood and serves as evidence of fleas just like finding a live flea would.

While there are many products on the market claiming to be holistic or natural flea and tick preventions, they have not been proven effective and may even cause harm, and the same goes for products that have been on the market for a long time. We still see the spread of diseases and the problems associated with those parasites in pets using these preventatives. Some examples include brewers yeast and diatomaceous earth. It is recommended to consult with your veterinarian for effective prevention methods.

Fleas and ticks will not resolve on their own. Fleas will increase in volume and infest your pet and home, while ticks will take a blood meal and fall off. If your pet is not on prevention, you may not even know they have ticks.

Yes, there is a vaccine available for a tick-borne disease called Lyme disease.

Controlling fleas and ticks in your environment can be done by using prevention on your pet. If fleas get into your house, vacuuming and laundering your pet's bedding and blankets are recommended. Avoid using fogging or insecticides in your home, as these can be harmful to both you and your pet. So we want to discuss preventing and treating fleas and ticks on your pet and managing your environment safely.

In areas with year-round flea and tick exposure, such as Tennessee, it is recommended that all dogs stay on year-round flea and tick prevention.

To prevent your dog from getting fleas and ticks, you should use a prevention method. Dogs that go outside are always exposed to these parasites, so it's important to have some kind of prevention in place.

The answer to this question depends on the specific behavior problems your dog exhibits. If your dog is simply nervous or anxious, which is not uncommon for many dogs during grooming appointments, they should not be refused grooming services. You can also ask your veterinarian for calming therapy options to help them through the appointment. However, if your dog has more significant behavioral issues, such as aggression or biting, you should consult with your veterinarian before attempting to have them groomed. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your groomer ahead of time.

Ideally, your dog should be vaccinated and on flea control before visiting a groomer. This ensures that they are protected against infectious diseases they may encounter while in close proximity to other dogs at the grooming facility. Flea and tick control is recommended to avoid contracting parasites during their grooming appointment.

Whether to groom your dog at home or have it done by a professional largely depends on your own confidence and ability to handle the grooming process. Most dogs will see a professional groomer, but if you have nail trimmers, clippers, and other grooming equipment, you can groom your dog at home. It ultimately comes down to your comfort level and what works best for you and your dog.