Dog Ticks and Getting Rid of The Little...
 

How to Keep Your Dog Tick-Free 

In the summertime it's time for picnics, dog romps, vacations, and... bugs. In case of dogs, it is very important to be careful about parasites: harmful bugs and micro organisms that can jump aboard while your dog gets his whiff of fresh air. One of the pests that can cause a lot of nuisance, and even damage, is the tick. These miserable little bugs sneak onto your dog's skin, attach themselves, drain a suprising amount of blood for their size, and eventually drop off when full.  

Why Ticks? 

Ticks tend to stick to warmer temperatures, CO2 and movement. Ticks do not fly, jump, or otherwise travel through the air. Their motion is limited to crawling. They climb up taller structures, such as trees or plants, and drop onto any moving human or animal. The problem, besides being ugly as sin, is that they can carry disease causing organisms. 

The danger of tick transmitted disease depends upon the country and culture, therefore the cure itself varies from country to country. The danger of having ticks on your dogs body begins once the tick bites. The bite itself is painless and unfeeling but the place of bite might get infected in no time. Consulting a veterinarian is advisable for treatment, which normally involves oral antibiotics.

If your pet dog is diseased due to a tick bite there is some risk of infection spreading due to your dog's salivation on, or biting, another pet. The most common disease spread by a tick bite is lyme disease,  but it's certainly not the only one.

How to keep ticks away from your pet dog 

The best way to avoid ticks is to avoid walking your dog in the midst of vegetation during tick season. Always keep the vegetation around your house trimmed.  People can wear long, light colored pants and brush the little nuisances off. Since most dogs don't wear pants... 

Certain preventive products are also available, such as Advantage. More information can be gathered from your veterinarian about the suitability of these products to your dog, in respect to age and the area in which you live.  

Do not use medications without consulting your vet. The instructions for these products must be followed properly. Please remember that these medications are suited for a single class of pets only, meaning that tick prevention medication for dogs is for dogs only and should not be used on cats or any other pets. 

Removing Ticks 

When your dog comes back from outdoors make sure to check him carefully for ticks. They are normally found in warm areas, under the arms, in the ears, between the toes and in the folds of the skin. If you find any, remove them safely. Do not touch the tick: use an alcohol swab, then gently grab it pull it up and away, slowly, with tweezers.

Make sure not to leave any parts of the tick sticking to your dog. Some people suggest putting a drop of oil on the tick, to suffocate it. It might then back out on it's own, making removal easier. If you are unsuccessful contact your vet.