Ticks are tiny little creatures that are able to cause a huge threat to your pet’s health. No matter what area you live in, your pets getting bit by ticks is always a possibility. Even in areas that were once thought to be safe, the different varieties of ticks have migrated, and it is now true that you can find infestations almost anywhere. Some of the diseases ticks carry include Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted-Fever, and Dog Tick Fever, among others.
The Process of Removing Ticks
This is one of the summertime tasks that pet owners do not look forward to at all. Ticks are disgusting enough to look at, but once they you have to dig into your pet’s skin to get the ticks out, it makes it even worse. They are also hard to see in some cases, especially if your pet has long hair. You don’t want to take the risk that you miss any because you don’t want your pet to fall ill.
To remove them, you should use tweezers or a tick remover. Always wear gloves, as their diseases can be transmitted to humans as well. If you are using tweezers, be sure to pull your pet’s skin up as close as you can to get the tick. Pull it out in a slow and steady motion to be sure the full head and body is out. If you are using a tick remover, slide the notch up under the tick. Once the ticks have been removed, drop them into a small container of alcohol. If your pet becomes ill, your veterinarian will be able to use the preserved ticks for testing purposes.
Suggestions for Keeping Ticks off Your Pets
- Use an OTC spot on medication. Something like this can be quite useful in protecting your pet. Always read the label very carefully to be sure it is safe for your breed and age of pet. If you have any concerns at all, talk to your vet.
- Oral medications can be used, and they are beneficial due to their high success rate. Talk to your vet about medication.
- Shampoos with ingredients that kill ticks on contact are another way you can go, but you will need to wash your pet often using this method, and it is usually not as effective as other methods.
- Tick dips and collars have been used by many pet owners. Dips are quite strong and will not be rinsed off. Tick collars generally only protect the head and neck area.
For more information regarding tick prevention, contact Portage Park Animal Hospital and Dental Clinic. We can help keep your pet protected from ticks this summer!