FAQ: Health for dogs

No. We only compare prices in Lithuanian online pet shops and sell nothing ourselves. Ask a vet about treatment, dosage and whether a supplement is suitable for your dog.

Shops set their own prices and discounts, so the difference is sometimes large. zoogidas.lt collects prices about daily, and each product shows when its price was last checked.

The most common signs are scratching and nibbling, especially near the base of the tail, and tiny black specks in the coat (flea droppings) that leave a reddish mark on a damp white tissue. Sometimes you can see the fleas themselves when combing with a flea comb. If the skin is irritated or losing hair, see a vet.

The most common are spot-on drops for the neck, antiparasitic collars, chewable tablets, sprays and shampoos. They differ in how long they last, what parasites they cover and whether they protect against ticks or only fleas. The best way to decide which suits your dog is to talk to a vet.

Drops are applied to the skin and spread over the body, a collar releases its active ingredient gradually over a long time, and tablets work through the blood, so the parasite has to bite. They also differ in convenience: tablets do not wash off, while a collar must be worn constantly. The choice depends on the dog's lifestyle and a vet's advice.

Part the coat on the neck between the shoulder blades so the skin shows, and squeeze the whole pipette straight onto the skin, not the hair. For larger dogs the label sometimes says to apply at several spots along the back. Always follow the package leaflet and avoid stroking that spot for a few hours.

Most manufacturers say not to shampoo the dog or let it swim for a few days before and after application, so the product can spread across the skin. The exact time varies, so check the package leaflet. Frequent shampooing can shorten how long the protection lasts.

How long collars last varies a lot — from a few weeks to several months — and is stated on the pack. Frequent swimming or bathing can shorten it. Note the date you put it on so you can replace the collar in time.

Fasten the collar so two fingers fit between it and the neck, and cut off the excess end. In the first days check that the skin under it does not redden. Do not let children or other animals chew the collar, and if you notice irritation, remove it and talk to a vet.

Many chewable flea and tick tablets are prescription veterinary medicines, so a vet prescribes them after assessing the dog's health and weight. Some products, such as some collars and drops, are sold without a prescription. Whether a prescription is needed is stated on the product itself.

Drops and tablets are made for different weight ranges so the dog gets the right amount of active ingredient. Weigh your dog before buying and choose the pack whose range matches its weight. If the dog is on the border between ranges or still growing, ask a vet.

It is not recommended. A pipette or tablet cannot be divided accurately, so one dog may get too much active ingredient and another too little. Use a product made for each dog's weight, as the label directs.

Fleas survive well in warm indoor rooms all year round, so many vets advise keeping protection going in winter too, especially if there are other animals at home. In Lithuania ticks can become active as early as a winter thaw. A protection plan is best discussed with a vet.

Most of a flea population — eggs and larvae — lives not on the dog but in the environment. Vacuum floors, carpets and furniture thoroughly, wash the dog's bed and blankets in hot water, and use products designed for the home according to their instructions. Treat all the pets in the household at the same time.

A flea comb has very fine teeth that comb fleas, their droppings and eggs out of the coat. It is handy for checking whether a dog has fleas and whether the product you use is working. The comb alone does not get rid of fleas, so it is usually used together with an antiparasitic product.

Usually not. An antiparasitic shampoo can remove or kill the fleas on the dog during the bath, but it does not normally give lasting protection. After the bath fleas from the environment can soon come back, so a longer-acting product is needed too.

Antiparasitic sprays made for dogs can be used directly on the coat and are often handy for puppies or as extra protection. Spray as the label directs, avoiding the eyes and mouth, and air the room well. Never use household sprays meant for the environment on the dog.

Fleas may not disappear immediately, and new ones keep emerging from the environment, so it can take a few weeks for the problem to clear. Scratching can also come from flea-related skin irritation, an allergy or a completely different cause. If the itching does not go away, see a vet.

Yes. While chewing its coat a dog can swallow a flea carrying tapeworm larvae, so fleas and some worms often go together. That is why vets recommend thinking about deworming when dealing with fleas. A vet will advise which product to use.

Yes, some dogs are allergic to flea saliva, so even a single bite can cause intense itching, red skin and bald patches, usually on the back near the tail. Constant flea protection is especially important for these dogs. A vet makes the diagnosis and prescribes treatment.