Have you ever been scratching the back of your neck, only to find a surprising little bump that comes off in your hands? And then curdled up your nose and mouth in revulsion, discovering that that small bump was indeed a tick? If so, you aren’t alone. Ticks can make their way onto the best of us. And when it comes to your dog, they are especially at risk.
For your dog especially, ticks can transmit some serious illnesses, such as Lyme disease, Hepatozoonosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Ehrlichiosis, to name a few. Just as those names sound, none of these diseases are any fun for you or your pet.
So, just what do you do to keep your dog free from ticks? And, how can you keep them safe, especially in the fall, which is prime tick breeding season? We’ve got the answers.
The Best Ways to Prevent Ticks on Dogs
Preventing ticks on your dog involves a few straightforward steps that can make a big difference. Here’s how you can keep your dog tick-free this fall:
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Regular Tick Checks
After your dog spends time outdoors, especially in areas with tall grass or woods, it’s important to do a thorough tick check. Slowly pull your fingers through their fur, applying gentle pressure so that you can feel any small bumps.
Pay close attention to their ears, neck, underarms, and between the toes. These are my favorite hiding spots for ticks.
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Proper Grooming
Keeping your dog well-groomed is another effective way to prevent ticks. Regular brushing helps remove ticks before they attach and makes it easier to spot them. If you have a long-haired dog, consider a haircut during tick season to minimize hiding spots for these pests.
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Veterinarian-Recommended Tick Prevention Products
Several products, including topical treatments, tick collars, and oral medications, can repel or kill ticks. Talk to your vet about the best options for your dog. It’s important to use these products as directed to maintain their effectiveness throughout the tick season.
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Safe Tick Removal
If you find a tick attached to your dog, knowing how to remove it safely is super important. Use tweezers—a fine-tipped tweezer is often best—to grasp the tick as close to your dog’s skin as possible without inadvertently pinching it. Using a steady hand, pull upward and maintain pressure on the tick between the blades of the tweezers.
Avoid the temptation to twist or jerk the tick from its hold, even though this might make it easier to remove, as this can leave parts of the tick in the skin. After the tick has been safely removed, immediately clean and disinfect the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or soap and water. Wash your hands briskly for at least twenty seconds.
Finally, get rid of the tick by placing it in an alcohol solution, sealing it up in a plastic bag, or yes, flushing it down the toilet. Ticks are hard to kill, so be sure to pull out all the stops to keep the tick from returning.
Does Your Dog Need a Fresh Grooming this Fall?
Like we said earlier, one of the best things you can do to keep your dog tick-free is to get them groomed regularly. So, if you need pet grooming, you have come to the right place. Contact Canine College today at 781-767-3908 to get your dog on our calendar and protect them from harmful fleas this fall.
