What happens
- A bath with a dog shampoo to lift dirt and loosen ticks
- A tick and flea rinse left on for a few minutes, then rinsed or dried
- A comb through to check for ticks the rinse missed, especially ears, between the toes, armpits and under the collar
- Nails, if you want
Why it matters in South Africa
Ticks are common in gardens, parks and veld across the country, and some carry diseases like tick bite fever (biliary). If your dog is quiet, off food or has pale gums after a tick, see a vet the same day.
Fleas cause itching and skin infections, and can bring tapeworm.
How long it lasts
A wash clears what's on the dog now. New ticks can climb on the next walk. A monthly chew, spot-on or collar from your vet is what keeps them off; the wash is the reset.