Dog fleas and ticks? Sort them out with a vet.

Fleas and ticks in dogs are more than a nuisance. Fleas cause intense itching, and some pets are allergic to their bite. A heavy flea load can even cause blood loss in young or small pets. Ticks can carry diseases that affect the joints, blood and energy levels. Most of a flea problem lives in your home, not on your pet. Eggs and larvae hide in carpets and bedding. That is why treating only your dog often doesn't work.

Every dog is different. These are the signs vets see most often:

• Scratching or biting at the skin, often near the tail.
• Flea dirt — tiny black specks in the coat.
• A tick attached to the skin.
• Scabs or hair loss along the back.

One sign on its own may not mean much. A few together, or signs that keep coming back, are worth a vet visit.

Finding the cause is what makes treatment work. Common ones include:

• Contact with other animals.
• Time outdoors in grass and woodland.
• Fleas living in carpets and bedding at home.
• Gaps in monthly prevention.

A video visit with an online vet is often the fastest way to get answers. In one call, a licensed vet can:

• Confirm fleas or ticks from what they see.
• Show you how to remove a tick safely.
• Recommend prevention suited to your dog's age, weight and lifestyle.
• Prescribe prevention products that need a prescription.

Before the call, take a few clear photos or a short video of the problem. Find a bright, quiet room. Keep your dog's food, any medicine and a few treats nearby. Write down when the problem started and what has changed since.

Your vet will choose a product that suits your dog's age, weight and health. Many work for a month, and some last longer. Every pet in the home needs treatment at the same time. You will also need to clean your home well for a few weeks. Never share your dog's flea product with a cat in the home. If your dog has a tick, your vet can show you how to remove it safely.

For more background, see the Companion Animal Parasite Council, a trusted source written for pet owners.

Alongside your vet's plan, these steps help:

• Treat every pet in the house, not just the itchy one.
• Vacuum often and wash bedding in hot water.
• Give prevention all year round.
• Never use your dog's flea product on a cat in the house.

Use prevention all year, not just in summer. Check your dog for ticks after walks in grass or woods. Wash bedding often in hot water.

Having answers ready makes the visit faster and more useful. Your vet will likely ask:

• Have you seen fleas, flea dirt or a tick?
• Which flea and tick product do you use, and when was the last dose?
• How many pets live in your home?
• Does your dog go outside, and where?
• Is the itching getting worse?

After your visit, you'll find the care plan in your dashboard. If things don't improve as expected, book a follow-up with the same vet. They will already know your dog's history.