As a pet owner, the well-being of your dog is of utmost importance. However, pests like ticks can pose a threat to your furry friend’s health. Not only do tick bites cause discomfort, but they can also transmit diseases that can leave them with long-term health issues. Preventing ticks and knowing how to respond when your dog gets bitten by a tick is essential to keeping your best friend healthy.
How Are Ticks Dangerous?
While a small little tick bite will not cause serious harm to your pet, the diseases they carry and transmit can leave your dog with life-long health issues.
These pests are known to carry a variety of diseases. Two of the most common diseases transmitted to pets are:
Dogs infected with a tick-borne disease may experience symptoms such as lameness, fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, weight loss or swollen lymph nodes or joints. If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms after being bitten, it is crucial to seek veterinary attention immediately.
Safely Removing a Tick from Your Dog
Discovering a tick on your dog can be alarming, but by following these steps, you can quickly and easily remove the parasite:
- Gather the necessary tools: You will need a pair of fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool. Isopropyl alcohol or a sealed container to dispose of the pest’s body.
- Remain calm: Dogs can sense your emotions, so staying calm will help create a stress-free environment for both you and your pet.
- Carefully grasp the tick: Using your tweezers, firmly grab the tick’s head as close to the skin as possible.
- Remove the tick: With gentle but steady pressure, pull the tick straight out. Avoid twisting or crushing the body during the removal process. Make sure the head and mouth are completely removed.
- Cleanse the area: After removal, disinfect the bite site with antiseptic to prevent infection.
- Dispose of the tick: Place the tick in a sealed container or bag. You can also soak it in alcohol before disposing of it.
Preventing Tick Bites
Stopping ticks before they are able to bite your dog is key in protecting your dog from tick bites. The first step to prevent ticks from biting your dog is discussing tick prevention with your veterinarian and choosing a suitable tick prevention product for your dog. These can include topical treatments, oral medications, or tick collars.
To keep ticks from biting your dog it is important to thoroughly inspect your dog’s fur regularly especially after they have been in places with brush or tall grass. Ticks prefer to hide areas such as the ears, paws, armpits, and underbelly on pets. Pay close attention to those areas when checking for ticks.
Keeping Ticks Away for Good
Dealing with ticks can be a nightmare for pet owners. It can be frustrating and difficult trying to remove an infestation alone. At Ja-Roy Pest Control, our dedicated team understands the frustrations of ticks in your yard. We specialize in removing these pests and ensuring they stay away for good. With our expertise, you can regain peace of mind and enjoy a pest-free* environment for you and your pets. Contact us today for a free quote!
Surviving Tick Season: Tips for Dealing with Tick Bites on Your Dog in Southern Louisiana
Ja-Roy Pest Control Services is a local Pest Control and Extermination company helping homeowners and businesses with pest issues across Southern Louisiana.
