Are fleas/ticks a problem at truck stops/rest areas?

The time of year and location would be a factor in that question along with the general type of soil in the area. Spring, anywhere its warm, sandy soil...theres gonna be fleas/ticks. Protecting your pet with topical flea meds is best.

There are SO MANY other things more serious to worry about than fleas/ticks....like coccida, worms, parvo, all these things can be picked up in public places. My dogs are not allowed on the ground if we leave our property there are just to many people who do not take proper care of their pet to take chances.

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LuvMyHubby
PROUD Mom of an enlisted man currently in Iraq
"The Truckers Report..helping newbies avoid the shams and scams, providing support for driver families and just a GREAT place to hang out,laugh and learn!"

Make sure your vet knows that your dog will be in different areas of the country. There are vaccinations you can give your dog for some of the things that may not be a problem in your area, but are a problem in other areas of the country. Also, be very aware of what your dog is sniffing and possibly eating when you take him/her out. I never let my dog sniff too close to something -- don't want anything getting on the hair around his nose to cause problems. For fleas and ticks, my dog's heartworm medication has protection from fleas and ticks -- give it to him the first of every month and he has never had a problem. Also, be careful where you let your dog walk. If you are parked at a truck stop, watch what he steps in while walking in the lot -- there are lots of fluids that he can step in and lick off of his feet later that will make him sick -- antifreeze for example. My dog wears boots if there isn't a nice grassy area handy to let him out in. Protects him from sharp things -- glass, rocks, thorns, burrs etc and keeps liquids off of his feet. The best protection for your dog is to keep him on a leash whenever you let him out. I see so many drivers who let their dogs out without one -- no matter how well behaved, you need to control your dog when you're on the road. Many parts of the country have snakes and other critters that your dog may not know to avoid. If you have them on a leash, you can keep them away from the areas where these things are, or you can pull him away quickly if you see anything strange. You are your dog's best protection on the road.

All my dogs are leash trained of course but when I am traveling with them I put on a harness....it gives me better control, they cant slip out of it like they can/could a collar. My biggest fear is that when we stop for a potty break they will get excited and come off the leash. If the need should arise I can also remove them from a dangerous situation quicker and safer if they are on a harness rather than a leash.....JMO.

__________________
LuvMyHubby
PROUD Mom of an enlisted man currently in Iraq
"The Truckers Report..helping newbies avoid the shams and scams, providing support for driver families and just a GREAT place to hang out,laugh and learn!"