Smart Easy Ways To Protect Your Chihuahua From Pests

In 2018, 1 out of every 18 dogs was found to be infected by Lyme Disease, a tick-borne condition that can cause lameness and kidney problems, among many other conditions.

According to the American Kennel Club, the actual number of dogs infected is probably higher, as so many dogs go untested for these diseases.

Your chihuahua could pick up fleas and ticks on walks, attract roaches via their food, and even get into scuffles with disease-carrying animals. Are you doing enough to protect your pet chihuahua from pests like fleas, ticks, and rodents?

Here’s what you can do to keep your furbaby safe.

Keep Your House And Yard Clean

Because pests flourish in dirty environments, you should make it a point to keep your home as spic and span as possible. Vacuum, wash, and clean anything that your pet regularly comes in contact with — bedding, linens, upholstery, toys, etc.

You should also make sure to keep your pet’s food area clean. Don’t forget to change your pet’s water frequently and store your pet food in a tight container, keeping it off the ground.

Ticks, which carry nasty diseases like Lyme disease and ehrlichiosis, live in grassy areas. Though it’s not practical to keep your dog off your lawn, it’s a good idea to clean up your yard and make sure that the grass is neatly mowed every day.

Remove dead leaves and make sure to pick up after your pets and family, not leaving any food and trash outdoors. You can also prevent wild animals from entering your yard with a fence.

Create A Gameplan For Walks

Pests like mosquitoes are especially active during dawn and dusk, so it’s a good idea to stay indoors during these times. When you do go outside, you can use safe insect repellents to keep the pests at bay.

Though you can use chemical sprays, some of these have pesticides that can make your dog sick, so it’s better to use natural remedies that are 100% safe for your dog.

Examples of essential oils for fleas and ticks are lavender, lemongrass, and citronella. Some pet shampoos contain these oils, so use these regularly to keep the bugs at bay.

You can also lightly spray a homemade mix onto your pet before heading outside. When using essential oils, remember to always dilute them with water and avoid contact with the eyes. And shake well before spraying.

Just a short walk outside is enough for pests to latch onto your dog. Look through your pet’s hair regularly to make sure that there aren’t any pests you should worry about. Do this every time your dog comes inside, especially during the summer, when flea and tick populations skyrocket.

If you find pests on your chihuahua, immediately remove it with a pair of tweezers, wrap it in tissue paper, and either flush it down the toilet.

Stay vigilant to keep your pup healthy and happy. Though we can’t totally eradicate pests, you can prevent them from affecting your chihuahua. If you think your home is infested with pests, call a professional to take care of it.