Flea and tick season in Chiang Mai: what actually works for us

Hermes is a four-and-a-half-year-old poodle and the fluffiest thing in our Nimman condo. Every year when the rains start, I get a little anxious about fleas and ticks. Poodle coats are great for allergies, but they make it hard to spot anything crawling around, so I have learned to check him differently. My routine is simple. Once a week I run a fine comb through his coat, especially behind the ears, under the legs and around the tail. I also do a quick hand check after our evening walk along the canal. If I find anything, I ask the vet to look at it, because pulling a tick out the wrong way can leave bits behind. For prevention, our vet recommended a monthly spot-on treatment that we apply on the same day each month. I put a reminder on my phone so I never miss it. Hermes hates the smell, but he gets over it fast. Last tip: wash his bedding every week in hot water and vacuum the sofa corners. Ticks love hiding in fabric folds. It is not glamorous, but it works for us.