Ticks are a common problem that many dog owners have to deal with. These tiny fellows can cause itch and discomfort not only to your dog but also to humans. Plus, they can also transmit diseases. So, it is essential to deal with these creatures to prevent a grave problem.
Ticks Are Not Insects
Ticks are annoying creepy crawlers that you need to watch. Though they are usually called insects, they are actually arachnids. They are related to spiders, scorpions, and mites.
Diseases Caused by Ticks
One of the most common diseases transmitted by ticks is Ehrlichiosis, a blood infection. The brown dog tick, lone star tick, American dog tick, and others usually transmit this. Though antibiotics can easily cure it, this can be fatal if not detected early.
Other diseases transmitted by ticks are Lyme disease, Canine bartonellosis, and Anaplasmosis.
The bad news is that humans can also get diseases from tick bites. Though the percentage of humans getting the disease is quite low, some cases cause potential danger.
The Tick Season
Tick infestation can occur all year round, even during winter. They are mostly active during the warmer months, like Spring and Summer. They are everywhere but usually stay in shady, moist areas like your lawn, waiting for a mammal to pass.
Environmental Control
You can reduce the tick population by decreasing the areas where ticks live. Keep your lawns well-maintained, clearing tall grasses and removing fallen leaves. You can also consider using tick control products like insecticides and natural repellents to keep them away.
Prevention is Key
The best way to deal with ticks is to prevent them from attaching to your dogs. You talk to your veterinarian and discuss the preventive measures for your dog. They can be oral, topical, collars, or soap.
Regularly administering these preventive measures will significantly reduce the chances of your dogs being bitten by these nasty organisms.
Regular Tick Checks
Always perform a thorough check of your dog’s body to see if there are ticks that have been attached. You can run your hands through the fur and inspect it closely when you feel a bump. You should pay close attention to the ears, neck, paws, and underbelly because they are the areas where ticks usually stay.
Proper Tick Removal
If you see a tick, use fine-tipped tweezers to remove it. Grab the tick to the skin as close as possible and gently pull it upward with steady pressure. Never twist, squeeze, or crush it, as it can increase the possibility of transmission.
Once removed, you can crush the tick using a rock or put it in an alcohol-filled container. Clean the bite area with antiseptic to prevent infections.
Follow-Up Care
Monitor the tick bite after a few days to see if there is an abnormality. If you notice redness, swelling, and signs of infection, bring your dog to the veterinarian immediately. Additionally, you should also be wary about tick-borne diseases. If you see symptoms such as fever, lethargy, appetite loss, and joint problems, seek medical attention immediately.
Dealing with ticks requires both preventive and reactive measures. You need to implement preventive measures to reduce to risk of tick infestation. However, in case some annoying crawlers can bite your dog. So, you need to react fast.
Lastly, don’t forget to involve your favourite veterinarians because they always know what to do.
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