Ticks are difficult to prevent or control even with the best products. As dog owners, you must be vigilant to ensure that your dog remains healthy.
Last week, I noticed that my neighbor's dog, Chuck, got a pretty severe haircut. When I asked about it, my neighbor told me that while they were at their cabin over the weekend, Chuck had stumbled into a tick nest. Their groomer removed 35 ticks from Chuck after trimming his hair close to the skin.
Luckily, Chuck seems to be fine; however, the diseases that ticks carry are often difficult to diagnose and treat.
During the spring and summer, flea and tick infestation is at its peak. Since ticks may be carriers of Lyme disease and other parasite-borne illnesses and Pennsylvania now leads the nation in the total number of reported Lyme cases, it is important to take preventive measures for your pets.
Always check with your veterinarian for the best tick control product for your particular pet. Remember that exposing your pet to more than one type of treatment within a short period of time may be harmful.
It is important that your pets are protected with an adequate, safe, preventative flea and tick medication to avoid that itchy, uncomfortable feeling of bites, flea allergy dermatitis, or even tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, or Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
Home care can also play an important role in pest prevention. Outdoor dogs face a relatively high risk of running into fleas and ticks if your yard is full of tall, unruly grass. Keeping your lawn under control will give these creatures less of the shade they require.
For pets that go outdoors:
• Visually check them carefully when they return inside.
• Designate specific sleeping areas for your pets.
• Check their bedding routinely.
• Vacuum bedding, carpets, and furniture frequently.
• Dispose of the vacuum bag in an outdoor trash can.
However, you choose to treat your pet, remember that it is always a good idea to comb through their head, neck, and ears where ticks are more likely to attach themselves. If you find a tick, remove it quickly with a pair of tweezers. Watch for symptoms like lethargy, joint soreness, or fever as they may be a sign of Lyme Disease.
The fact that ticks are around should not deter you from enjoying the outdoors, but you should be on the lookout for these sticky bugs. It is easier to prevent a bite than to deal with its repercussions.
You should always consult your veterinarian for the best advice about tick prevention for your pet, but Braxton's offers several flea and tick prevention products. If you prefer the natural route, check out our video Preventing Fleas and Ticks with Natural Products.