Our pets are family and like family we do all we can to keep them happy and healthy. However, one bite from a tick can lead to illness or in some cases death. Awareness is always key to preventing tick-borne illnesses. According to the CDC "Tick bites on dogs may be hard to detect. Signs of tickborne disease may not appear for 7-21 days or longer after a tick bite, so watch your dog closely for changes in behavior or appetite if you suspect that your pet has been bitten by a tick."
Below are four steps to help protect your pet from ticks:
Your veterinarian knows your pet and the local environment better then anyone. They will be able to give you the best recommendations on how to protect your dog from ticks.
Here are a few questions to ask:
Ticks prefer to be around the perimeter of the yard in shaded areas and in wooded areas under leaf litter and brush. If your pet roams free around your home, it is likely that they will bring ticks closer to the home and even indoors. Setup fencing around the perimeter of the manicured part of your yard to prevent your pets from venturing into tick habitat.
If you go for a walk or hike near wooded or grassy areas, you and your pets may pick up ticks. Before heading inside, check your pet for ticks by brushing your fingers through their fur. Feel for any small bumps. Pay special attention to the area between your dog's toes, behind ears, under armpits, around the tail and around the head. Don't forget to perform a tick check on yourself too!
Even though you may be thorough checking for ticks on your pets, they are easy to miss. Nymphal-stage deer ticks are the size of a poppy seed, and they can be very difficult to detect. Deer ticks are active from early spring through late fall. Some ticks can even be active during the winter months as long as temperatures are above freezing. Be vigilant, and perform tick checks daily on yourself and your pets after being outdoors.
If you find a tick on your pet, consider bringing your dog to a veterinary clinic where they can remove the tick safely and show you how it’s done. Ticks should be removed promptly to avoid infection! Use our free Tick Identification Card to identify the life-stage and species.Our organic pest control property sprays provide an extra layer of protection in the places your pet spends the most time - around your home. Consider natural tick control solutions that are safer for your family, your pets and the environment.
