Ticks are a pest that no dog owner ever wants to deal with. These pesky little hitchhikers love to latch onto our furry friends, potentially spreading diseases and causing life-long health problems. But worry not! With regular inspections, tick preventatives, and prompt removal, we can keep our dogs tick-free and their tails wagging happily. So, let’s talk about everything you need to know about protecting your dogs from ticks.
How Do You Protect Your Dogs from Ticks & Tick-Borne Diseases?
When most people think about ticks, the first thing that comes to mind is Lyme disease. In addition to Lyme disease, ticks are also known to carry Ehrlichiosis and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
Tick-borne diseases can have a wide range of symptoms in dogs, including lameness, fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, weight loss, and swollen lymph nodes or joints. If you notice any of these signs in your furry friend after a tick bite, seek veterinary care immediately. Early detection and proper treatment can make a significant difference in your dog’s recovery and overall health. These diseases can lead to life-long health issues if not treated quickly.
5 Simple Steps to Safely Remove a Tick
Finding a tick on your furry best friend can be alarming but don’t panic! Just follow these 5 simple steps to easily and safely remove a tick that has bitten your pet:
- Using tweezers or a tick removal tool, firmly grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
- Use firm pressure to pull the tick straight out. Do not twist or crush the tick as you are pulling.
- Check the area to make sure you have fully removed the tick head.
- Dispose the tick by either sealing it in a ziplock bag or soaking it in alcohol and throwing it in the garbage or flushing it down the toilet. If you wish to be cautious, you can also take the tick to a veterinarian’s office to test it for tick-borne diseases.
- Cleanse the bite area with an antiseptic to avoid infection.
How To Prevent Tick Bites on Your Dog
As with most pests, taking proactive measures to keep ticks away is crucial. Start by consulting your veterinarian to determine the best tick prevention options for your pet’s specific needs. Your vet may recommend either topical treatments, oral medications, or tick collars to keep ticks off your pets.
Even with proper tick prevention treatments, you still may find a tick on your dog. Regularly inspect your dog’s fur for ticks, especially after outdoor adventures in areas with tall grass or brush. These pesky parasites are excellent hiders: pay close attention to common tick hiding spots, such as the ears, paws, armpits, and underbelly.
If your property is prone to tick infestations, you should consider professional tick control.
Pest Defense Solutions Tick Control Services
If you encounter ticks around your home or yard, it’s crucial to take immediate action to safeguard your health and the well-being of your pets. Tick bites can cause discomfort and spread disease, making professional tick extermination important.
At Pest Defense Solutions, we offer comprehensive pest control services to tackle ticks or any other pest infestations. Our highly trained tick specialists will thoroughly examine your property, identify the source of the infestation, and implement effective tick control measures to create a tick-free environment for you and your dog.
If you are finding ticks on your furry best friend or in your yard, contact the tick experts at Pest Defense Solutions today for a free quote!
How Do You Protect Your Dogs from Ticks? in Albuquerque NM
Serving Albuquerque & Santa Fe New Mexico
