Share:

Ticks are a significant concern for dog owners, as the parasites can spread illness to pets via their bites. Although not all species can make your pooch sick, tick-borne illnesses, like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, are a real risk to the health of your pup. A few basic pet care and prevention strategies can keep these bugs off your furry friend.

What Should Dog Owners Know About Ticks?

Environmental Factors

Ticks are most prevalent during the year's warmer months. In general, there is a risk of encountering them if the average outdoor temperature is above 40 degrees.

The parasites feed on the blood of their hosts. They are often found in dark, damp, densely wooded areas with tall grass, but they live anywhere there is vegetation. They sense changes in motion, heat, and carbon dioxide, which lets them know a potential host is nearby that they can crawl onto.

How to Check a Dog for Ticks

Giving your dog a flea and tick preventative, either as a pill or topical medication, is one of the basics of pet care, but no treatment is 100% effective. Most dogs don't show any signs of having a tick, but some may bite or lick at the area where the bug has latched on. The skin around this spot may be red and inflamed, as well. In very rare cases, a tick bite can cause weakness and even temporary paralysis, which is often relieved by removing the bug. 

pet care

Thorough tick checks, grooming, and brushing are key to proper prevention and pet care. The most common places to find ticks are under your dog's front legs, in the groin area, between the toes, inside the ears, and around the eyes. Check under your pooch's collar, as well. 

If you find a tick, remove it right away. Use fine-point tweezers, and pull the parasite's head and body straight off your pup's skin. Destroy the tick, and watch your pet for signs of irritation.

Prevention Tips

Keeping ticks off a dog requires regular pet care. Talk to a veterinarian about the right preventive medication, and treat your pet as instructed. Perform tick checks, especially after they play or walk in wooded and grassy outdoor areas. Keep your lawn cut short and remove or trim overgrown brush. After spending time outside, check your own clothing for ticks, as they may hitch a ride on you and crawl over to your pup.

 

For over 25 years, Almost Home Pet Resort Inc. in Covington, KY,  has been the go-to resource for pet care throughout northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati, OH. Their caring and loving professionals give pet owners peace of mind that their four-legged friends are comfortable getting the best care possible, whether it's during a boarding stay or grooming appointment. Call (859) 356-8181 to speak to a friendly team member, and learn more about their services online.

tracking