Fleas and ticks are more than an itch — they spread disease, cause allergies and can make a dog seriously ill. The good news is that both are largely preventable with year-round, vet-approved protection. This guide shows how to spot fleas and ticks, how to remove a tick safely, how to clear an infestation, and how to keep your dog protected. Always choose parasite products on your vet’s advice and never use cat products on dogs.
How to spot fleas and ticks
Fleas are tiny, fast and dark; you may see them darting in the fur or, more often, find “flea dirt” — specks of black grit that turn red-brown on a damp tissue (digested blood). Tell-tale signs are persistent scratching, biting at the base of the tail, red irritated skin and hair loss. Ticks are larger, attach to the skin and swell as they feed; check after walks in long grass or woodland, running your hands over the head, ears, neck, armpits, groin and between the toes for small bumps.
How to remove a tick safely
- Use a tick remover or fine tweezersGrip the tick as close to the skin as possible, at the head — not the swollen body.
- Pull steadily upwardSteady, even pressure, straight out. Do not twist or jerk, which can leave mouthparts behind.
- Don't use heat or chemicalsForget matches, alcohol or petroleum jelly — they can make the tick regurgitate, raising infection risk.
- Clean and watchWash the area, wash your hands, and watch for redness or illness over the next weeks. See a vet if the dog becomes lethargic, lame or feverish.
- Save the tick if unsureSealing it in a bag can help your vet identify disease risk in your region.
Clearing a flea infestation
Fleas multiply fast, and the adults you see are only a fraction of the problem — eggs, larvae and pupae fill the home environment. To clear an infestation you must treat the dog, every pet in the house, and the home at once. Use a vet-recommended flea treatment on all pets, wash bedding hot, and vacuum thoroughly and often (emptying the vacuum outside). It can take a few weeks to break the life cycle, so keep up treatment and don’t stop early. Severe flea allergies or anaemia, especially in puppies, need veterinary care.
Year-round prevention
Prevention is far easier than treatment. Modern vet-prescribed preventives — spot-ons, chewable tablets or collars — protect against fleas and ticks, often alongside worm control. Because fleas survive indoors in winter and ticks are active in mild spells, most vets recommend year-round protection. Combine this with regular grooming checks (see grooming basics), tick checks after countryside walks, and keeping bedding and resting areas clean. Your vet can tailor a plan to the parasites common in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my dog has fleas?
Look for persistent scratching and biting at the tail base, red irritated skin, and “flea dirt” — black specks in the coat that smear red-brown on a damp tissue. You may also spot fast-moving dark fleas in the fur.
What is the safest way to remove a tick from a dog?
Use a tick remover or fine tweezers to grip the tick at the head, as close to the skin as possible, and pull straight out with steady pressure. Do not twist, burn or apply chemicals. Clean the area afterwards and watch for any illness.
How do I get rid of a flea infestation in the house?
Treat the dog and every pet with a vet-recommended product at the same time, wash all bedding on a hot cycle, and vacuum thoroughly and frequently, emptying the vacuum outside. Keep treating for several weeks to break the flea life cycle.
Do dogs need flea and tick prevention all year?
Most vets recommend year-round protection, because fleas survive indoors in winter and ticks are active in mild weather. Use a vet-prescribed preventive dosed by weight, and never use a cat product on a dog.
Sources
- American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) — external parasites and safe-use of parasite products
- ASPCA — fleas and ticks pet care guidance
- American Kennel Club (AKC) — flea and tick prevention and tick removal
Last updated 25 June 2026.
