Irrespective of whether you are a dog lover or not, you can’t deny the simple fact that dogs consume a major part of our families and lives. We love taking our dogs outside for a walk, for relaxing and for playing. However, whenever we step out of the house with our pet dogs, the most serious concern is the tick attack. Ticks love to attach themselves to the coat of dogs and this is one of the biggest concerns among dog-parents.
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How To Treat & Prevent Ticks On Dogs
Ticks are responsible for a host of illnesses that can make your dear dog extremely ill. The best way in which you can prevent him from falling ill is by preventing the tick from attaching to the dog’s coat at the first place.
But for that, you need to learn how to prevent ticks to get attached on dogs in order to make your road trips safer and fun for both you and your pet. Without much ado, let’s get started with the tips and tricks of preventing tick attacks on dogs.
Tick – What is it?
Ticks are small insects that are a part of the scientific classification of spiders or Arachnida. Ticks usually feed on blood and they do this by biting on to humans and several other mammals. There are more than 800 different types of ticks but luckily, only few species among them can spread the harmful diseases that make pets fall ill.
Ticks – How do they bite?
A tick has the power of attaching itself on the coat of your pet dog by inserting its mouth within the skin of the pup. In fact, there is several tick species that create a sticky thing which is similar to glue that lets them remain attached to the coat of the dogs. Once they’re securely attached, the tick starts eating the blood of the dog.
The particular area where the tick attached itself can soon get red and swollen. However, a tick can’t drink enough blood that could lead to anemia in your dog. Ticks can also carry diseases like Lyme Disease, Mountain Spotted Fever and others.
Tick Bites – Who are at risk?
Even individuals who tend to live near grassy and woody areas are at a higher risk of getting in touch with ticks. The months between April and September seem to be the most favorable season for tick bites. Even when you take your dog out for a walk, this will also boost the likelihood of a tick bite. However, there are several measures that you can take to safeguard yourself and your pet from tick bites.
Preventing tick attacks on dogs
Now that you know the harm caused by these insects called ticks, wouldn’t you want to know how you could prevent your dog from being attacked? Here are few ways to know of:
Use a Flea and Tick repellant
When you wish to protect your pets from the attacks of ticks, you can do that by using a tick repellant as that is the easiest method of achieving success. Once you search the market, you will come across a wide array of tick repellants that are there for purchase. Read the labels watchfully to check that the treatment prevents all sorts of ticks and fleas as there are few repellants that only prevent fleas. Make sure you order the appropriate dosage for the size and weight of your dog.
Try to stay away from tick-affected areas
How about entirely avoiding the ecosystems that have ticks in abundance? There are several spots like forests or areas with dense vegetation that harbor lots of fleas and ticks and other harmful insects. If you have gone hiking to such a destination that is affected by ticks, try to keep your pup on trails. Maintain safe distance from tall grasses and decaying leaves to prevent tick attacks.
Lawn maintenance in regular intervals is a must
Having a properly maintained yard will not just keep your property beautiful but also free from all sorts of insects. Once you start taking care of your lawn, woody areas, shrubs and lush green gardens, you can keep pesky insects at bay. Make sure you clean all dead leaves and other grooming shrubs as this makes all the difference in preventing ticks. It also offers you a chance of doing some exercise which is again good for your health.
Chase and dislodge the ticks
For some families, no matter how much lawn maintenance you engage in, this won’t help you get rid of the ticks. During such situations, it is better to hire an exterminator. Once you call home an exterminator, he will ensure creating an atmosphere that no longer appeals to the ticks.
How to check for ticks in your pup
It is imperative that you check your dog several times for ticks. The areas to check are inside the ears, behind the ears, around the eyes, around the tail, eyelids, between the legs, under the collar, between their toes and under their legs. Anytime you go out with your pet dog under the nature, examine yourself and your dog.
Diseases carried by ticks
As mentioned earlier, ticks carry an array of illnesses. Here is a closer look at few of the illnesses caused by a tick bite.
- American Canine Hepatozoonosis, which is caused by ingestion of the tick that can occur when the dog is grooming. This is a fatal illness.
- Babesiosis is a kind of illness caused by the organism Protozoa and it can lead to shock syndrome among dogs.
- Tick paralysis is a disease that makes your dog become lethargic and limp.
- Tularemia is a rather less-serious disease that leads to vomiting and lethargy among dogs.
- Ehrlichiosis is a disease that leads to loss of appetite among dogs and here they will need antibiotics to feel better.
- Anaplasmosis is a common sickness caused by a tick bite and will require antibiotics for treatment.
We hope you had a good read while learning how to prevent tick attacks on your dogs. Try to follow all the above mentioned points in order to take proper care of your pet dog and let it remain healthy and safe.