Flea & Tick Control for Hairless Dogs

Hairless dogs are less likely to be infested with fleas and ticks but still require flea and tick control products.

Fleas and ticks are small, parasitic creatures that live in the fur and skin of warm-blooded animals, including dogs. They survive by sucking on the blood of pets and causing itching, welting and scabbing. Hairless dogs tend to be less prone to flea and tick infestations because bugs have aren't able to hide in fur. Like humans, hairless dogs can be bitten by fleas and ticks.

Function

Commercially available flea and tick products typically kill fleas and ticks on an animal's body, prevent eggs from hatching and repel new fleas and ticks in the environment. Not all products do all of these things simultaneously, and not all products are made to address both flea and tick problems. For this reason, it's important to read labels carefully.

Requirements

Veterinarians often recommend that dogs be on flea and tick preventative treatments continuously, particularly in warm climates and particularly if they go outdoors and come into contact with other animals, which might be carrying fleas and ticks. While it won't hurt hairless dogs to be under continuous preventative treatment and will prevent flea and tick bites, these dogs are not as likely as others to become infested. For this reason, continuous treatment might not be necessary.

Topical Products

Many commonly used flea and tick products are applied topically to the dog's skin in the area of the back just below the neck. One such product is K-9 Advantix, which is applied monthly and kills and repels adult fleas and ticks, and prevents flea eggs and larvae from maturing. Adams Flea and Tick is a spray that kills adult fleas and ticks and repels other insects, such as flies and mosquitoes. Dips and collars that rest on the skin are other topical options.

Ingestibles

Like topical, oral flea and tick control products typically provide a month of protection. One popular ingestible is Sentinel, which stops the development of flea eggs and larvae. It does not, though, kill ticks or adult fleas.

Environmental Control

Pet owners should make sure their homes and yards are free of flea and ticks by washing linens and pet beds and vacuuming rugs and upholstery on a regular basis. A variety of products, including Fleabusters, are also available to rid homes and yards of biting insects harmful to pets.

References

• Doctors Foster and Smith: Common Flea and Tick Control Products
• The Breed of Dogs: Peruvian Hairless Dog
• Fleabusters