5 Things to Know About Ticks & Your Dog
1. Dogs Are Vulnerable to Various Tick-Borne Diseases
Ticks can transmit several diseases to both humans and pets by attaching to a host and feeding on their blood. Different ticks carry different diseases, which can vary by region. In the United States, the most common tick-borne diseases affecting dogs include Lyme Disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Ehrlichiosis, Babesiosis, Anaplasmosis, and Hepatozoonosis. Some, like Ehrlichiosis from the Brown Deer Tick, are found worldwide, while others, like Lyme Disease, are more common in specific areas such as the Northeast and upper Midwest.
2. How to Identify a Tick
Ticks are small arachnids that live by feeding on the blood of mammals and birds. They come in various sizes and colors, including brown, tan, or black. While some ticks are large enough to see easily, others can be as tiny as the tip of a pin. They generally have a tear-shaped body that becomes rounder when engorged. For more detailed information on identifying different tick species, you can refer to regional tick identification guides.
3. How to Check Your Dog for Ticks
Ticks are widespread across the United States but are more common in wooded areas. They crawl onto their hosts rather than jumping. If your dog spends time outside, including in your backyard, it’s essential to regularly check them for ticks. Run your hands or a comb over your dog’s entire body, feeling for bumps or swollen areas. Pay special attention to dark places like between their toes, under their armpits, around their ears, under their collar, and around their groin. If you find a tick on your dog, also check other family members, as ticks can move from one host to another.
4. Dogs Who Spend a Lot of Time Outdoors Need Daily Checks
If your dog frequently spends time outdoors or if you live in a tick-prone area, you should check them for ticks daily. Many tick-borne diseases take hours to transmit, so regular checks can significantly reduce the risk of illness. In highly infested regions, or if your dog is often outdoors, consult your veterinarian about tick preventatives.
5. How to Remove a Tick From Your Dog
When you spot a tick on your dog, remove it quickly to reduce the risk of disease transmission. Here’s what you’ll need:
– Rubber or latex gloves
– Tweezers or a tick remover
– A container with rubbing alcohol
Wear gloves and use the tweezers or tick remover to grasp the tick by its head as close to the skin as possible. Pull firmly and steadily without squeezing the tick’s body. After removal, clean the bite area thoroughly. Be careful not to squeeze too hard to avoid breaking the tick and leaving parts of it attached to your dog’s skin.
What to Do After Removing a Tick
Once the tick is out, kill it by placing it in a container with rubbing alcohol. Monitor your dog for the next couple of weeks. If they start showing signs of illness, take the tick to your veterinarian for identification or testing.
