Keep your pets safe from ticks this season

With warmer weather, the tick season is upon us! And if you haven’t already, you may start finding these eight-legged insects on your pet.

Ticks are small, brown and round and although they may look fairly harmless, these critters that feed on blood can pose serious health risks to pets and humans. They can transmit life-altering diseases like Lyme disease, which can make both pets and people sick.

To avoid disease or infection, you should prevent your pet’s exposure to ticks, and there are several ways to do this.

Avoid heavily wooded or tall grassy areas

Ticks find their way to your pet by climbing to the top of tall grass, leaves or short trees and latch onto your furry companion (or yourself) when you walk by them.
Use Tick prevention
Ask your veterinarian about tick prevention. They should be able to recommend certain products.

Identify and remove the tick safely

The Deer Tick is small and only about the size of a pinhead in its juvenile stage but a little more evident in the adult phase and after feeding. If you find a tick moving on your pet, the tick has not fed. Remove the tick immediately, place it in a jar or a small re-sealable bag, and bring the tick to the vet clinic. If you find a tick attached to your pet, be sure to contact your veterinarian and have it removed as soon as possible.
Please note that improper removal of a tick can lodge part of the tick in your pet’s skin, possibly causing an infection.

Do a tick check

If your pet has been outside, conduct a tick check as soon as it returns to the house. Ticks need time to attach themselves to your pet, and it is best to remove them within 24-36 hours of spotting an attached tick. When checking your pet, make sure to check between the toes, inside the ears, and in less obvious locations such as the groin and armpits.

Know the symptoms of Lyme disease

Infected pets lose their appetite and energy and can develop a fever. In the long run, these symptoms can lead to an inflammation of the joints and, in more severe cases, cause kidney failure. Lyme disease is difficult to diagnose as it shares symptoms similar to many other diseases, so prevention is key.

By following these tips, pet owners can help minimize the risk of tick bites and the spread of tick-borne diseases. Remember to consult your veterinarian for personalized advice on tick prevention and control measures tailored to your pet’s needs.