A Buggy Situation: I’d Like to Check You for Ticks

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I’m hearing it from everyone — the ticks are BAD this year!

I have been doing a lot of walking in Moraine Hills State Park recently and have found a few ticks on my Golden Retriever, Skyy, after our walks. I also found one on my own head. Eww . . .

Remember to do your monthly dose of flea and tick preventatives this time of year. And stay on top of it! Your dogs need to be protected from fleas and ticks through late fall to keep them safe from further problems caused by fleas and ticks.

What do you need to know about fleas and ticks? The following is some expert information found on www.dogster.com and a few other Web sites:

• The flea has an amazing ability to jump and multiply and is found on the outside of the body. Along with ticks and ear mites, fleas feed on the skin and blood of their feline and canine hosts. Fleas can also transmit tapeworms to your pets if they are ingested.

• Fleas are considered more of a nuisance than an extreme danger to your pet. However, they should not be taken lightly. Fleas can cause dermatitis, hair loss from scratching and, in large numbers, anemia due to blood loss. A flea infestation also can make us, as pet owners, crazy, hiding in our carpets and upholstery and biting humans as well as cats and dogs.

• Ticks can pose an even greater threat to pets and humans. Along with inflicting a nasty bite, ticks transmit diseases such as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lyme disease. Ticks are more commonly found on dogs, but cats are occasionally affected too.

• Ticks are large enough to be seen by the naked eye and can be removed by a special tweezers instrument that will not crush the tick's body. Using a removal tool is essential, as a squeezed tick can release bacteria into your cat or dog's bloodstream if it is not removed properly.

• You should see your veterinarian for a recommendation on which flea and tick prevention product would be best for your pet. But be forewarned: these medications are not one size fits all. Your vet will determine the proper dosage, usually according to your pet's size and weight.

• The cost of these medications can be a bit pricy, but often times you get a discount if you buy in larger quantities, for three or six months at time. Keep in mind it’s a lot cheaper to pay for prevention than to pay for the cost of vet bills when a problem arises.

• The best way to check for ticks is to brush your pet daily. They are commonly found in the ear canals, at the base of the ears and on the feet, and in between the toes. Just a quick Brad Paisley once over “I’d like to check you for ticks” every night will help you stay on top of anything that might have decided that your dog is “the one.”

Have a Dog Gone Great Day!
Kari