Fleas and ticks are a major problem. These can be really itchy which causes our dogs to scratch most of the time. Too much scratching can result to lesions and breaks in our dog's skin. This can also lead to another infection and other skin problems. This can be really challenging especially if we have long haired dogs.

Our dogs need to have a healthy skin for them to enjoy and live a full life. It has always been said that prevention is better than cure but then there are times when it is beyond our control. Here are some control measures as well as treatment options for fleas and ticks.

1. Clean your house. If you are still planning to get a dog or if you already have a dog, it is of utmost importance that you keep your house clean. Fleas don't only live in your dogs; these can also be found in the surroundings. If your house is carpeted, fleas can flourish within the fibers so it would be best if you vacuum as often as you can. If you don't, the fleas in their early stages of development will continue to stay lodged in your carpet and your dog can get it anytime especially when they're lying down on your carpeted floor. Always clean your house; not just the living room but every single nook and cranny.

2. Insecticides. If you think that vacuuming and cleaning is enough, then you are wrong. To really decrease the chances of your dog getting any fleas, it is also helpful if you spray insecticides on the carpet, the rugs and other areas of your house especially those dark, damp areas. Do not also forget to spray underneath the beds and furniture as well as the baseboards. If you are going to buy an insecticide, always check the label and go for one that contains active ingredients that inhibit the multiplication of flea and tick eggs.

3. Outdoors. Do not just limit your cleaning to the insides of your house; it is also important that you clean your yard and any surrounding areas around your house. Remember that your dogs go out too. Ticks and fleas can survive almost anywhere so it is for sure that these will be able to survive the outdoors. After you clean the outdoors, do not forget to spray insecticide all around the surrounding area of your house.

4. Of course, do not forget your pet dogs. Use flea control products on them. These products will help control the multiplication and eventually eliminate the fleas thriving on your dog especially if your dog has already been harbouring them. But in case your dog is still flea-free, you can still use these products to keep the fleas from making a home on your dog's fur.

5. Always keep your dog as clean as possible. Do not let them play with dogs that have skin diseases and are infested with ticks and fleas because these can easily transfer to your dog. You can always use a flea comb whenever you are brushing your dog's hair because this type of comb is made especially to remove ticks and fleas stuck on your dog's hair.