5 ways to keep your dog safe from ticks, according to veterinarians

Tick ​​treatments is important, but experts say that there is no more to do to keep these pests away.


For our canine friends, the highest point of each day is often their walk, their race, their hike or their daily over the open air. But a disadvantage of being outside is thearmy of bugs still present. And the head of the load are the ticks. These tiny arachnid blood suckers feed on dogs - and people - all year round.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that "Dogs are very sensitive For ICT bites and Ticks diseases, "whose signs may not appear up to 21 days after a bite. And although the vexing and sometimes debilitating Lyme disease receives a lot of attention, shootcan also infect dogs With ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, spotted fever of the rocky mountains, Babesiosis, Bartonellosis and Hepatozoonosis, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC).

Fortunately, there are a few simple precautions that you can take to prevent your puppy from getting sick. Read more to hear veterinarians from the most important five ways to protect your dog from ticks.

Read this then:If you notice it in your courtyard, pay attention to poisonous spiders.

1
Stay in a low territory.

Beware of ticks sign
Whisper

It may seem simple, but an easy way to avoid tick stings is to avoid areas where there are a lot of ticks - shrub, shrub and woody areas. If you hike, stay in the center of the trail and not near the fauna. And keep in mind thatEven places like beaches Maybe ticks.AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

Where you livealso plays a role. According to the CDC, some states have aHigher prevalence of Lyme disease Incidences, mainly those in the northeast. It is also the domain which, by far, sees the mostEmergency services visits For tick stings. Of course, these statistics are based on people, not dogs, but they are important indicators for the place where these pests are the most common.

And even if the ticks are the most active between April and September, you should never lower your guard.Jenna Mahan, a registered veterinary technician and director of complaints forEmbred pet insurance, advises owners of animals that the key to real prevention is consistency all year round. "If it is true that ticks are more active during the hotter months, it does not mean that they disappear when temperatures drop."

2
Tick-Torth your court.

red lawnmower running over leaves and grass
Shutterstock / V J Matthew

Even if your courtyard has no tons of trees and large leaves, it can always attract ticks. Discover them from staying on your property by keeping the mowed grass and cleaning the weeds or unnecessary brushes. The CDC recommends removing all the places where ticks like to hide asBatteries of leaves and wood And any old furniture or game equipment. They also suggest setting up a "3 -foot wide barrier of wooden shavings or gravel between lawns and wooded areas to restrict the migration of ticks in recreational areas".

And remember that pests attract other pests. Ticks are often found on deer, raccoils and stray dogs, so make sure you take the appropriate measures to dissuade these animals from entering your court. If a tick problem persists, you can also opt for pets in pets for pets, although the CDC warns that "you should not count on spray to reduce your risk of infection".

3
Tocorof your dog.

Dog wearing a collar to kill and repel ticks and fleas
Chutima Chaochaiya / Shutterstock

The other important side of prevention is resistance to your dog's ticks. According to Mahan, dog owners should use tick prevention products, which are available in several forms and often work against fleas.

Croquettes or tablets are a good option because they can be wrapped in your pet's favorite treat. Colles systems generally last a few months and can even be worn during swimming.

Liquids or topical gels must be applied between your dog's shoulder blades, but "pets who like to rub against you or furniture, married and others, and which have sensitive skin must be monitored if used To prevent them from ingesting it because it is toxic, "warns Mahan.

Whatever option you choose,Amanda Takiguchi, veterinarian and founder ofTrendy breeds, advise animal owners to use a veterinarian's prescription tick products rather than over -the -counter treatments that you can buy in store or online. "They can be slightly more expensive, but I think it is worth it (as close as possible) to complete protection with fewer complications on the line."

Finally, Mahan also recommends talking to your veterinarian to see if the Lyme disease vaccine is appropriate. "If you spend time outside with them, it is likely that they could be a good candidate for this."

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4
Check, check and check again.

Close up of a pair of hands checking a dog's ear for ticks.
Liudmila Chernetska / Istock

Because you inevitably stroll through the Ticks territory, even if you pay attention, it is important to carefully check your pet every time they have spent time outside. "Check your daily dogCorinne Wigfall, a recorded veterinarian and spokesperson forSpiritdog training. "The most common places to detect ticks are in the places where the hair is the finest. Look at the margins of the ear, around your dog's eyes, in their armpits or in the groin, and between their toes . "

If you find a tick, look even more carefully to find out more and check later throughout the day. The ticks will widen after a meal of blood, which makes them easier to spot.

AndDon't forget to check yourself, too. If your dog may have taken a tick, it is just as possible as you did. In addition to a bodily control,The shower is recommended.

5
Know how to delete ticks.

Tick on Person's Finger
Makrobetz / Shutterstock

If you see a tick on Fido, remove it as quickly as possible to reduce the risk of disease transmitted by ticks, but be sure to do it in the right way. "If you find a tick, which can be confused with a small growth or a wart on your dog's skin, it can be tempting to simply remove it," explains Wigfall. "However, if you do this, you risk leaving the oral room stuck in your dog's skin, which is dangerous, because infectious diseases can always be transmitted to your dog."

Instead, Wigfall's advice is to immediately give your dog a preventive (like those listed above) and contact your veterinarian, who will remove it safely with a special withdrawal tool and then check under the microscope that 'He's completely gone. If this is not an option, let's say that you are hiking, Wigfall notes that these tools can be purchased online. If you take this path, it warns that "it is important not to twist or do not shoot strange angles because you risk leaving the mouthpiece in your skin".

Another home treatment is recommended by Mahan. "First clean the area with friction alcohol, then approach as close to the tick's head as possible with a pair of sharp and pointed tweezers clean the area again with more rubbed alcohol for the disinfect. "

But, of course, seeing a veterinarian is always the best option, even if you think you have pulled your dog's check.


Categories: Smarter Living
Tags: animals / News / / Pets
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