12/10/2026
🐾 TAKE THE LEAD DARWEN – TOPIC OF THE WEEK 🐾
🐕 Fleas, Ticks & The Importance of Drying Your Dog After Walks! 🍂💦
As we head further into autumn, we're seeing plenty of muddy paws, wet coats and soggy dogs! 🐶🌧️
But did you know that checking and drying your dog after a walk isn't just about keeping your house clean? It's also an important part of keeping them healthy and comfortable!
🦟 FLEAS & TICKS – SMALL PESTS, BIG PROBLEMS!
Fleas and ticks aren't just a summer problem. They can still be active during autumn, and fleas can thrive indoors throughout the year!
🔍 Ticks are often found in long grass, woodland and areas with lots of vegetation. They attach themselves to dogs and can sometimes transmit diseases, including Lyme disease.
🐜 Fleas can cause itching, skin irritation and allergic reactions. They can also quickly become a problem in your home.
✅ Regularly check your dog's coat, especially around the ears, neck, armpits and between their toes.
✅ Keep up to date with appropriate flea and tick prevention recommended by your vet.
✅ If you find a tick, remove it promptly using a proper tick-removal tool.
💦 WHY DRYING YOUR DOG MATTERS!
After a wet or muddy walk, leaving your dog damp for long periods can contribute to skin irritation, particularly in dogs with thick or curly coats.
🐾 A few simple tips:
🧼 Dry between the toes – Moisture trapped between paw pads can contribute to irritation.
🐕 Pay attention to skin folds – Areas that stay damp can become uncomfortable and irritated.
🧽 Use a clean, absorbent towel – Give your dog a good rub down after wet walks, especially around their tummy, legs and paws.
🔍 Check for anything unusual – Drying your dog is the perfect opportunity to spot ticks, cuts, lumps or irritated skin.
❤️ A LITTLE AFTER-WALK CARE GOES A LONG WAY!
At Take the Lead Darwen, we know that muddy paws and wet coats are all part of the adventure! 🌳🐕
But taking a few extra minutes to check and dry your dog can make a real difference to their comfort and wellbeing.
Remember: Drying helps protect their skin, but it doesn't replace regular flea and tick prevention!
🐾 Take the Lead Darwen
More than just a walk 💚
