Your dog will love playing outside. You get to exercise and get fresh air for your dog.
Playing outside and running wild is great for your dog. However, there are risks that can be present for you and your dog.
Yes, ticks.
Many fatal diseases can be transmitted to people by ticks. This is why tick prevention is so important to ensure your dog stays healthy while enjoying all the outdoor activities.
To keep your dog tick-free, you must take extra precautions when you go out.
Knowing how to properly check them after they are done playing is a great start.
To keep their outdoor environment safe so they can play freely.
To respond properly when you find a tick attached to your dog.
This is why I am happy to provide all the information that you need about ticks.
Start with the year.
Peak tick season occurs during the warmer months of the year. Tick season can last the whole year if you live in a warm climate. Others start it in spring (anywhere between March and May) and end in fall (August to November).
This is coincidentally also the season when your dog spends most time outdoors.
You should be extra vigilant in checking for ticks whenever your dog steps outside.
You can find ticks anywhere you go, even in wooded areas. They are about the same size as a sesame seeds so they are easy to miss.
I am happy to help you identify ticks in your dog and how to treat them.
Checking Your Dog For Ticks
It can be difficult to spot a tick in your dog’s fur, especially if it has a long or darker coat.
Regular brushing and grooming your dog can make it easier to look for ticks. It can also help your dog stay comfortable in the summer heat.
You should check your dog for ticks during the spring, summer and fall months. Ticks can attach to dogs walking near trees or grass because they live in grass.
To check your dog…
Begin at the head and work your way down, rubbing your hands gently over the dog’s body.
Ticks love warm places so make sure you check all the areas under your dog’s skin.
Ticks love to hide under the collar, behind or in the ears, and between the toes.
Once a tick has attached to your dog’s skin, it will continue to feed on the blood and grow larger. You can feel the tick on your dog’s skin by touching your fingers.
You should also be looking for redness and irritation in your dog’s skin, as this could indicate a tick infestation.
Be aware of your dog’s behavior. It could be that a tick has caused them to scratch or lick a particular area. If this happens, they should immediately be treated.
You should respond quickly to any ticks you spot so that it doesn’t cause any damage to your dog.
How to safely remove a tick from your dog
You should be cautious if you find a tick on your dog. It could cause complications or infections later if you remove only a small amount of the tick.
You’ll need rubber gloves and fine-tipped, tweezer.
Rubber gloves are recommended to protect your hands from infection during this procedure.
Use tweezers to gently pull the tick from the dog’s skin.
You must be careful not to accidentally crush the tick’s head. This could lead to infection.
The tick should be removed completely and cleanly. If you find any tick parts that are not gone, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Use soapy warm water to immediately clean your dog’s skin. To prevent infection, you can also use a little antibiotic ointment.
A tick can’t be crushed. To kill it and dispose it of, you will need to put it in rubbing alcohol.
If your dog has any questions or difficulty, you can take them to the vet. They will be able to safely remove the tick.
Although it can be nerve-wracking, your dog will soon return to his normal self if you get the tick out as soon as possible.
How to keep your dog healthy with tick prevention
Your first line of defense against ticks is prevention.
You don’t have to relax about checking on your dog when you go outside, even if you are taking preventative measures.
It is important to check your dog for ticks regularly in order to make sure they are safe and healthy.
You should ensure that your dog has the latest flea and tick prevention medication. Discuss all options with your vet to decide which one is best for your dog.
Your yard should be kept as safe as possible. Keep your yard clear of brush and keep it trimmed to prevent ticks from growing in tall grassy areas.
Keep your dog safe when you go on hikes or visit a state park. Avoid areas that have a lot of grass and extra wooded. To catch ticks fast, make sure your dog is not allowed to enter these areas.
Ticks can pose a danger to your dog and are easy to overlook. Knowing what to look out will help you feel confident that your dog will be happy and healthy throughout the summer.
Here’s to a wonderful season of sunbathing
Tick Prevention: How to check your dog for ticks. The online dog trainer.
