You're probably aware that tick bites can be dangerous to humans. Did you know that ticks are just as dangerous to dogs? It's not easy to prevent ticks on dogs, but for the sake of your pup's health it's important to try. Here's everything you need to know about dogs and ticks and how to avoid an encounter with these pests.
The American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation (AKCCHF) lists no fewer than seven tick-borne or tick-related illnesses to which your pup may be susceptible to if he gets bitten. Here are the diseases, along with the signs to watch for:
These are the most common species of ticks in the U.S. that pose a health threat to dogs, according to PetMD:
There are also numerous species that exist around the world if you find yourself in one of these areas of the globe:
While it might not be possible to keep dogs and ticks from encountering each other, you can take steps to reduce your dog's exposure to ticks. The AKCCHF recommends using a tick preventive on your pet, such as a vaccination, topical treatment, special shampoo or a tick collar. Over-the-counter and prescription products are available, so talk to your veterinarian about your options.
None of these products are completely effective, however, it's important to be vigilant about checking your pup regularly for ticks and tick bites, especially during tick season. This is especially true for field dogs and other dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors or in potentially tick-infested areas. Develop a habit of conducting a daily tick inspection by running your fingers through your dog's fur and over his skin to check for small bumps. Running a brush or flea comb through your dog's fur can also help catch any ticks that haven't yet attached. If you find a tick, it should be removed and disposed of immediately. While ticks can live everywhere including your backyard, they are particularly prevalent in wooded areas and fields, so if you live near a forest, field, or take your dog camping, make sure to do a thorough check each night after he comes inside.
Because signs can be hard to pin down to a specific illness, and because sometimes outward signs take a long time to appear or never appear at all, it's also a good idea to make testing for tick-borne illnesses a regular part of your dog's annual wellness exams.
If you find a tick and you're inexperienced with tick removal, immediately bring your dog to a vet. If the tick isn't removed correctly, its head might break off and remain embedded under your dog's skin, which could lead to infection. Your vet or a veterinary technician is a dog and tick expert. He or she can demonstrate how to properly remove a tick from your dog so that you can perform the procedure on your own going forward.
Ticks should be removed as quickly as possible though, which might mean you'll need to do it yourself regardless of experience. When removing a tick, protect yourself from infection by wearing disposable gloves as you work. Use tweezers to grip the tick as close to the skin as possible, and slowly pull it straight out, being careful not to squeeze the body. Although you might have heard tick removal advice along the lines of twisting the tick, smothering it with alcohol or another product, or burning it with a match, these methods could do more harm than good.
Once the tick is free, place it in a small container of rubbing alcohol. The alcohol will kill it and make it safe to properly dispose of. Place the dead tick in a sealed bag before putting it in the trash or flush it down the toilet. Under no circumstances should you squash the tick. It could expose you to infection. Afterward, clean the bite area with disinfectant. At the end of the entire ordeal, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Make sure to monitor your dog for any side effects after the removal to be sure that the tick didn't infect him.
As you can see, dogs and ticks are a potentially disastrous combination. By taking a little extra care to protect your pup, you can do a lot to reduce the risks associated with ticks.
Jean Marie Bauhaus is a pet parent, pet blogger, and novelist from Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she usually writes under the supervision of a lapful of fur babies.
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