Ticks on your dog can lead to
various lethal diseases with severe outcome. Get information on tick
prevention in puppies.
Ticks on Dogs
You have a great friend in your
dog and love to play with him around the house. What happens if one day
you run your fingers through his furry coat, and suddenly feel a
protrusion/ outgrowth/ lump in his skin? If you notice a small black or
brown seed-like thing sticking to his skin at that time - Beware! Your
darling pet is infested with ticks. A tick is a blood sucking mite that
is not actually an insect.
It belongs to the family of 'arachnids' (like spider) and generally
lives on wooded, grassy and damp areas. Thus, they are external
parasites that feast on the blood of various vertebrates. Actually,
these vampire-like critters may flourish anywhere and might easily cling
to your dog's body and multiply in no time. They are also the carriers
of various lethal diseases, including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain
spotted fever.
Types of Ticks
Generally two types of ticks are found on dogs- viz. American Dog
Tick and Brown Dog Tick. These creatures might lurk behind
your pet's neck, feet, ears or body and sometimes might go unnoticed
during the preliminary stages of infection. The situation is further
worsened if your pet has a dark or furry coat. These creatures can be as
tiny as a fennel seed or grow as large as a peanut, after feeding on
your pet's blood.
Sometimes, tick-infested dogs might get severely anemic or suffer from
tick paralysis. Moreover, ticks that are carried home by your pet can
rapidly spread inside the house too. So, it is better that you take
various preventive measures against dog ticks before they find a way to
your dog and to your home. Check out these quick tips to understand and
prevent dog ticks.
Dog Tick Prevention
- You are the one who is responsible for your pet's hygiene. See
that your pet is properly groomed, healthy and happy.
- Consult a good veterinarian about other effective and alternative
methods that help to prevent and control ticks.
- Frequently clean the bedding of your pet and spray/ dust
insecticides around the area.
- Keep your surroundings clean (remove all the debris where ticks
maybe present).
- Many good medicated products (like shampoos, rinse, sprays and
talc) are available in the market for pets, to prevent and control
ticks.
- Natural oils of lavender, geranium, lemongrass, cedar,
eucalyptus, myrrh, rosewood and neem are effective for preventing
ticks. Rub them on your dog's body or add a few drops in his
bathwater.
- Regularly feel your dog's coat with your fingers. Don't use bare
hands, but cover them with latex gloves to protect yourself from any
kind of infection, if present.
- Since ticks are generally found outdoors, it is very necessary
that you thoroughly check/ inspect your dog every time he is back
from any of his exploring walks.
- Specific oral medication are also available that helps to prevent
ticks. Consult your veterinarian before using such drugs on your
pet.
- Specific tick collars of different brands are available that help
in preventing ticks and fleas.
- Treat all the cracks, crevices and corners of your home with
preventive sprays.
A pet is a part of your own
family and deserves your proper care, love and attention. So, don't
ignore your pet's health and hygiene. After all - a healthy pet reflects
a healthy family.
