Flea & Tick Shampoo

Fleas:

Dogs & other warm-blooded animals are especially prone to catching fleas in warm-weathered climates or during the summer months when air temperatures and humidity levels are high. Dogs can catch fleas from other furry friends, or from the environment. Fleas use their strong back legs to jump on the “host” (your dog) and then bite the animal. These bites can cause itching, hair loss & hot spots from itching, inflamed lesions and even skin infections. You may also notice small dirt-like particles on your pet – which is actually flea feces and digested blood.

The female fleas can live up to a few weeks on your pet and may lay between 20-30 eggs a day during that time. Some eggs will hatch into larvae on your pet, while the others fall off, into your home environment –  where they feed off skin scales and other organic matter. Pet parents must treat both the dog as well as the inside & outside home environments. We recommend using Dog Wash™ Flea & Tick Shampoo in conjunction with our Richard’s Organics Premise Treatment for Fleas – made with 100% natural Boric Acid.

Ticks:

Ticks are parasitic arthropods that attach themselves and feed off of warm hosts, such as your dog. Ticks are usually found in wooded areas, in long grass, and plants. Dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors are prone to coming in contact with a tick at any given time. When your dog does, the tick can attach and lock its mouth into a crevice or fold and begin to feed on blood – sometimes even feeding for days. Besides being gross, ticks cause major concern for animals and people alike because of a high risk for transmitting diseases such as Lyme, Ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, or Babesiosis. A tick bite can also cause anemia, joint-swelling, fever, and paralysis. If your pet displays any signs of illness, and you suspect he/she was bitten by a tick, consult your veterinarian immediately. Always check your pet for ticks if they’ve been running around outside, especially in wooded areas.

Tips for Bathing your Pet at Home Like the Professionals do:

• Before the bath, build trust. Let your pet see and sniff the grooming tools, brushes, towels, and shampoo bottle and let them listen to the water flowing.
• Praise and reward your pet with love and treats for relaxed behavior. Build a positive relationship with the bath for your pet.
• If your pet is displaying signs of heightened distress and anxiety, we recommend using all-natural calming remedy, Richard’s Organics Pet Calm, to help relax them for the bath. Takes only 10-15 minutes to see results.
• Before washing, carefully brush your pet’s hair coat to remove all tangles and matted areas. If they have badly matted fur, carefully remove with scissors. Also check for ticks, fleas, burrs, hot spots, or other irregularities.
• Wear clothing you don’t mind getting wet and dirty.
• Close your bathroom door so your pet doesn’t escape and run through your house wet and bubbly!
• Use a spray nozzle if you have one – it makes the rinse-out much easier.
• Use Dog Wash™ professionally formulated & pH balanced products, made specifically for pets. And, don’t skip the conditioner! It’s an important part of re-building and maintaining moisture and sheen in your pet’s hair coat.
• Gently dry your pet with a towel or low-heat professional pet dryer.
• Enjoy, play and snuggle with your deliciously clean and happy pet!