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"Dog Parasites (flea, Tick, Worms, Etc.)"
Dog Parasites (Flea, Tick, Worms, etc.): Page 10
of 26
Dog ticks: Where do dog ticks come from?
Dog ticks, these creepy blood suckers get under everyone's skin,
sucking up anyone they can while causing irritation and illness in
their victim. Ticks spend most of their lives with their mouths
buried inside a mammal's flesh, feeding on their blood. Although
ticks are very small, they expand to about 50 times their normal size
after they have finished feeding. Dog ticks are also responsible for
spreading Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease.
Fortunately, there are several ways to keep ticks from feeding on your
pet. Below are seven helpful suggestions to keep ticks at bay:
1. Before they get into their victims, ticks like to stay several
feet off the ground on top of vegetation along roadsides and paths.
They patiently remain there waiting for your dog to come along. In
order to give the ticks fewer chances to hop and attach themselves to
your dog, always keep your grass and weeds trimmed to below ankle
height.
2. Generally, mature ticks look for large victims, such as your dog.
On the other hand, younger ticks usually feed on mice and other
rodents until they are old enough to go after bigger prey. To help
eliminate both old ticks as well as young ticks, make sure your yard
is uninviting to rodents. Secure your trash cans with strong lids and
take out any rock piles and brushy cover.
3. When hiking with your pet, stay on the trails and make sure that
your pet remains with you. Avoid wooded areas and long grasses where
ticks are waiting.
4. Before going to an area where ticks are standing by, protect your
pet's coat by spraying it with insecticides that can kill ticks on
contact. Consult with your vet before you administer the insecticide.
5. If you happen to see ticks, lightly spray your dog with a tick
insecticide and then comb his coat using a fine-toothed comb. There
are some pet stores that sell combs which are used specifically for
ticks. They are also great for catching fleas.
6. Sometimes you can actually see the tick while it's feeding on your
dog. In this case, quickly remove the tick. The longer for the tick
to feed on your dog, the more likely it will transmit Lyme disease
and other types of illness.
7. When removing the tick, never use a match or anything that can
burn your dog. Making the tick back out using fire does not work and
could only cause harm on you and your pet. The most effective way of
removing a tick is by using a pair of tweezers and aiming for the
tick's head, while gently pulling it out. This way, the tick comes
out in one piece and leaves no mess on your pet. For additional
protection after removing the tick, rub the infected area with an
antibiotic ointment or topical antiseptic.
Copyright 2006 by Jay Jennings. All rights reserved.
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