Table of Contents
Introduction
Ticks are tiny bugs that attach to dogs’ skin and drink their blood, like vampires. They can make dogs very sick with diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted feverA nationwide study conducted in veterinary clinics discovered the presence of positive tests for Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis across the majority of states.
As a dog owner, it’s important to be aware of the risks posed by ticks and take steps to protect your furry friend. In this article, we’ll discuss what ticks are, the risks they pose to dogs, and how you can prevent and treat tick bites. So, let’s get started!
What Are Ticks?
Ticks are external parasites that feed on the blood of unlucky host animals such as our canine companions. Like mites and spiders, ticks are arachnids. Two kinds of ticks, the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineous) and the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis), often make dogs their meal. These ticks need to feed three times before they can grow.
How Are Ticks Transmitted to Dogs?
Ticks are most active in from spring through fall and live in tall brush or grass, where they may attach to dogs playing on their turf. These pests tend to favor areas around the head, neck, ears, and feet. In severe infestations, however, they can be found anywhere on a dog’s body.
How Do I Know if My Dog Has Ticks?
Ticks are visible to the naked eye. During the warmer months, it’s a good idea to check your dog regularly for these parasites. If you do spot a tick, it is important to take care when removing it. Any contact with the tick’s blood can transmit the infection to your dog or even to you! Treat the area with rubbing alcohol and pluck the parasite with tweezers, making sure you’ve gotten the biting head and other body parts. Since it may only take a few hours for disease to be transmitted from an attached tick, it is ideal for your dog to be evaluated by a veterinarian soon after any ticks are found.
Do some dogs get ticks more often than others?
Ticks are everywhere, but dogs who live in warm areas and certain wooded parts of the Northeast have a higher chance of getting them because they’re more likely to come into contact with ticks.
It’s important to check your furry friend for ticks after they spend time outdoors in these areas. Look for any small, round bumps in their skin or fur, especially around their ears, neck, and belly. If you do find a tick, use tweezers to gently pull it out, making sure to remove the whole thing including the head.
In addition to checking for ticks regularly, there are steps you can take to help prevent ticks from latching onto your dog in the first place. Use flea and tick prevention products recommended by your veterinarian and keep your lawn mowed and free of tall weeds. You can also avoid walking your dog in areas with high grass and thick brush where ticks are known to live.
By taking these precautions and staying vigilant, you can help keep your furry friend safe from tick bites and the potential health problems they can cause.
What Are Some Complications Associated with Ticks in Dogs?
· Blood loss
· Anemia
· Tick paralysis
· Skin irritation or infection
Ticks can also transmit diseases such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, all of which can cause serious complications and are fatal without prompt and proper treatment.
A Tick Has Bitten My Dog! What Should I Do?
Remove the tick, as noted above, and consult with your veterinarian, who will help you prevent future infestations. Your vet may also perform blood tests to rule out diseases transmitted by ticks.
What Is Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that can affect humans, dogs, cats, and other mammals. Its primary carrier is the deer tick (Ixodes scapularis), which often feeds on rodents in its early stages. Later, the tick can attach to a dog or human and transmit the bacteria that cause Lyme disease. Clinical signs include depression, swelling of the lymph nodes, loss of appetite, and fever, as well as lameness and swollen, painful joints. Renal failure can also be a consequence of Lyme disease.
What Should I Do If I Think My Dog Has Lyme Disease?
Bring your pet to a veterinarian, who will evaluate your dog for Lyme disease. This includes a physical exam, blood tests, and radiographs.
How Is Lyme Disease Treated?
Your veterinarian can best determine the optimal treatment plan for your dog. Canine Lyme disease is most often effectively treated with antibiotics. With prompt, proper treatment, your dog’s condition should start to improve within 48 hours.
How Can I Prevent Tick Infestation?
Lots of flea treatments also work to kill ticks and prevent them from coming back. These topical treatments are especially recommended for those dogs who live in areas with high tick populations. Speak to your vet to select the best product for your dog.
The key to any successful tick control program lies, literally, in your own backyard. Make sure you have a tick-free lawn by mowing it often, pulling out tall weeds, and keeping it clean. inhospitable to rodents by keeping garbage covered and inaccessible.