Dogs and Tick Season

Warmer weather brings outdoor fun, but also tick season. Protect your dogs from ticks by applying an all-natural tick repellent frequently, especially before outdoor excursions. Additionally, perform regular tick checks to keep your dog free from these parasites, and reduce his risk of contracting Lyme Disease.

Deer ticks are most commonly found in grassy and woody areas. They may even be found in one’s own backyard. As the name implies, deer ticks are often carried by deer. However, they are also carried by mice, rabbits, and even other pets. It is important to check your dog for ticks after any time outdoors, especially when wild animals are in the area.

Ticks are active throughout the warmer months of the year. They are most prevalent in the spring and in the autumn. During these seasons, as well as all summer long, make an effort to continually check your dog for ticks. Often times, you will miss a tick the first few times you check your dog. A few hours later, once the tick has latched onto your dog and begun filling up with blood, you will finally find the tick. That is because as the ticks fill up on your dog’s blood, they become enlarged. What starts out as a very tiny creature, the size of the head of the pin, becomes bloated and noticeable.

It is important to sift through your dog’s hair in order to find the ticks. You may have more luck using your sense of touch as well as your sense of sight. Ticks are often tiny and hidden among your dog’s coat. It can be nearly impossible to spot a tick, especially on a dark-haired dog. When you do find a tick, remove it as soon as possible. If the tick is not yet attached, remove it and flush it down your toilet. They are extremely hard to squash so do not risk letting it loose in your home.

If you find a tick already attached to your dog’s skin, use tweezers to remove it. Be cautious not to burst the tick, and also take care to avoid leaving the head still within your dog. If you have difficulties removing the tick, talk to your veterinarian.