Pests can pose health risks to dogs. Tick control is especially important, as these critters trigger allergic reactions and transmit Lyme disease and a range of bacterial infections. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to treat tick bites and prevent them from posing problems for your furry friend.

How Can You Protect Your Dog From Ticks?

Since ticks thrive in areas with dense vegetation, your pet is most at risk when they venture outside. Keep your lawn cut short to eliminate hiding spots in grass and weeds. When you walk your pup, use anti-tick collars, which repel the pests or kill them when they enter the fur.

To reduce the likelihood of an infestation at home, comb through your dog’s fur after they’ve spent time outdoors. Ticks often look like small spiders with white or black bodies, and feel like bumps on the animal’s skin.

How Do You Treat a Dog With a Tick Problem? 

Tick control is simple when you identify a single tick before it lays eggs. If you see a bug, use tweezers to carefully pluck the insect off of the dog’s skin. Use a twisting motion rather than squeezing, since crushing the tick can release blood with pathogens. Deposit the bug in a plastic bag or jar and bring it to your vet for testing. If the pest carries a disease or bacteria, the animal may need further treatment.

If your dog has many ticks, a vet may prescribe a spray, ointment, or powder. These treatments are either combed through the fur or rubbed onto the skin. Once applied, they kill any remaining ticks or eggs, while also preventing new infestations. Alternatively, the vet may recommend a medicated bath to provide a more thorough cleaning and remove pests from hard-to-reach areas, such as inside the paws and around the ears.

To protect your furry friend from ticks, ensure these insects aren’t nesting in your home. Based in Wellfleet, MA, Cape Cod Mosquito Squad provides tick misting to keep your family safe. Their highly trained technicians only use products registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as well as a line of all-natural treatments made from essential oils. Learn more about tick control on their website. To request an estimate for service, call (508) 918-9700.