Dog fleas and ticks are fairly easy to prevent by following the standard practices to keep the bugs away from and homes and dogs. If a dog has not been infected yet by dog fleas or ticks, then following these steps will reduce the risk of the dogs getting infected:
- When taking dogs out for walks, ensure that they avoid areas with vegetation, especially public parks that are overgrown. If a garden, front or back yard is used frequently by dogs, ensure that these areas are mowed often, so that the grass is short and dogs do not run among shrubs and overgrown wooded areas.
- Clear yards and garden of excess clutter to prevent the entry of wild animals that carry fleas and pests.
- Use Diatomaceous Earth, an organic, food-grade insecticide or beneficial nematodes, that kill pests naturally.
- Ensure that enclosed areas like gardens and yards are secure from other infested animals that may stray into these areas and bring dog fleas and ticks with them.
- Use dehumidifiers in portions of the home that have high humidity. Dog fleas require humidity of at least 50% to survive.
- Wearing long trousers, socks, footwear that covers the feet, and long-sleeved shirts is advisable, to minimize the risk of these insects hopping onto exposed arms and legs. Sprinkling garments with natural insecticides, limonene and linalool repel these pests effectively. These substances should not be sprayed directly on the skin.
- Since dog fleas can be carried on clothing, ensure that clothing used during picnics, field trips and other excursions are isolated and washed with detergent using long wash cycles. If there is a tumble-dryer available use the highest temperature possible. If there is a spin-dryer available, set the machine to the longest spin cycle. Adding bleach to the wash cycle, if the clothing permits it. Clothing needs to be washed repeatedly, at least once in three days, to ensure any residual infestation is removed.
- If gardens and yards are juxtaposed to heavy-vegetation areas, putting a bulwark about 4 feet high, or creating a perimeter that is unfriendly to fleas and ticks, by using gravel, mulch or wood chips can keep the critters away.
- Vacuum carpets, furniture and curtains thoroughly, and dispose of the dirt far away from the home. Use carpet and upholstery sprays to kill dog fleas and ticks hiding in carpets, furniture, and curtains. If the dog flea or tick infestation is large, use “flea bombs” or “foggers,” devices that kill insects. This would require that the home is evacuated for the treatment period.
- Use products that control fleas and ticks on animals — powders, shampoos, and sprays, especially those that are based on an effective product named permethrin.
- Use flea collars on dogs. These collars either secrete an animal-safe insecticide onto the skin of the dog or emit a gas that keeps fleas and ticks away.
- It is important to maintain strict hygiene practices among family members to prevent the spreading of ant infestation in humans. Some dog flea and tick infections are harmful to humans too.