Protecting Your Pet From Ticks 

When it comes to the health and safety of your pets, ticks are a serious concern. These tiny parasites can transmit diseases, such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, that can have long-lasting effects on your pet’s health. Understanding how to protect your pet from ticks is crucial for any pet owner. Effective protection involves a combination of preventive measures, including the use of tick repellents, regular checks, and maintaining your yard. In this article, we’ll explore various strategies and products that are proven to safeguard your pets from ticks. We’ll also discuss the importance of prompt and proper tick removal techniques. With the right knowledge and tools, you can minimize the risks ticks pose to your beloved animals, ensuring they lead happier, healthier lives.

We’ve seen quite a few changes in the ecosystem in recent years, many of which are coming about due to changes in climate, habitat loss, and other factors. One that we are definitely less than thrilled about is the rapidly-growing numbers of ticks. Ticks may be small, but they actually pose a pretty serious threat to both you and your pet. Read on as a local Stonington, CT vet offers some advice on protecting your furry bestie from these tiny monsters.

Tick Basics

Ticks are often lumped in with bugs or insects, but technically they are arachnids, like spiders. They thrive in warmer conditions, and, as you may know, have more or less exploded in numbers over recent years. (We’d much rather see the ticks themselves exploding, rather than their populations.)

Ticks feed on blood by burrowing into their hosts, but the real danger isn’t just the bite. While a large number of ticks on an animal can pose risks, the bigger concern is the transmission of diseases. Knowing how to protect your pet from ticks is crucial, as these parasites can spread serious illnesses to both humans and animals.

Here are the most dangerous ones:

Lyme Disease: In most cases, Lyme disease affects the bones and joints, but it also causes other issues. It occasionally affects the kidneys, which is of course extremely dangerous. Signs include limping, lameness, fever, weight loss, lack of appetite, and vomiting. Keep in mind that these things can take up to five months to appear.

Babeois: This disease invades mammalian red blood cells, causing anemia. Though usually spread by ticks, it can also be transmitted from dog to dog. Because of this, certain dogs, such as greyhounds and fighting dogs, are at higher risk. Signs can vary widely, but may include things like dark urine, fever, weakness, depression, and even collapse.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever: Most often carried by ticks in wooded areas, Rocky Mountain spotted fever is now widespread through many parts of North America. It can affect any organ in the body, and can lead to issues such as balance problems, kidney disease, and  neurological diseases.

Anaplasmosis. Formerly known as human granulocytic ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis is more common in rural areas, as ticks pick it up from deer, elk, and other wild animals. 

What Are The Common Signs of Tick-Borne Diseases?

The individual warning signs will vary from disease to disease. However, there are some general red flags to look for. 

These include the following:

• Coughing
• Diarrhea
• Lameness
• Fever
• Reduced Appetite
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Nosebleed
• Shortness Of Breath
• Lethargy
• Seizures
• Swelling
• Bloating
• Discolored gums

These can also be indicative of many other medical issues. That’s why it’s important to take them seriously, and immediately contact your vet if you notice anything off. 

Protecting Fido From Ticks

To protect your pet from ticks, the simplest and most effective approach is to consistently use parasite control products. There are various options available, such as topical drops, oral chews, sprays, and collars. Consult your vet to find the best solution for your pet’s needs.

A few things to keep in mind here. Always get your pet’s products either from your vet or from a retailer that requires a prescription. You may find products at discount stores and big box retailers, but these can vary drastically in terms of quality. Unfortunately, some have even proven to be dangerous.

Also, stay on top of the dosage schedule. These products do weaken as the time nears for your furry pal’s next dose.

Finally, never double up on these. If you’re taking Fido camping, you may be okay with spraying some tick spray around, but you should never use, for instance, a collar and a topical drop, or a shampoo and an oral med. That could potentially expose your pup to dangerous levels of chemicals.

We also recommend checking both yourself and your pooch over carefully after spending time in woods or fields.

Keeping Ticks Off Your Place

There are also some things you can do to make your place less welcoming to ticks overall. You’ll still need to keep up with Fido and Fluffy’s parasite control, of course, and check them regularly. However, this can reduce the chances of them actually getting ticks in the first place.

• Mow Your Lawn: Ticks love to lurk in tall grasses, so keeping your lawn trimmed can help. 
• Create A Path: If you’re wanting to rewild part of your land, or border up to a wood or field, put a small gravel border between the different areas. Ticks don’t like being exposed to open sunlight, and will often turn back at these barriers.
• Remove Brush: Fallen branches, leave piles, and other debris make very inviting habitats for uninvited guests.
• Pick Up Produce: If you have a garden, berry bushes, and/or fruit trees, try to stay on top of picking up fallen produce. This will attract wild animals, many of which carry ticks.
• Trim Shrubs: Trim shrubs back so that they do not touch the walls of your house.
• Help Native Wildlife: Did you know that many wild animals, such as possums, eat ticks? Help animals and your environment by reducing your use of harsh chemicals, and supporting green initiatives however you can. 

If you have a severe infestation, you may want to consider spreading some diatomaceous earth around, particularly on your door jambs and window sills.

How To Get A Tick Off Your Pet

No matter how diligent you are, learning how to protect your pet from ticks means regularly checking them, especially after they’ve been in wooded areas or fields. Be sure to inspect between their toes and under their collar for any signs of ticks.

If you do find one of the little beasts, remove it carefully with a tick puller or tweezers. (Tick pullers are probably the easier option.) Don’t just rip it or twist it. You may tear it, which could result in pieces being left embedded in your pet’s skin. That can definitely cause infections.

Once it’s out, use a bit of antiseptic on the spot, then give your pet a treat and a forehead pat. We do recommend taking a photo of it before you dispose of it. If symptoms arise, being able to identify the tick can be extremely helpful. Make sure you get its back, where the markings are.

A final word? When you dispose of the tick, don’t just flush it or toss it into the garbage. If it was female, eggs could still hatch. Find a small container and put a bit of rubbing alcohol in it, and toss it out that way.

What Ticks Are There In North America?

There are nearly 900 types of ticks in the world. Of those, about 90 can be found living in the States. (Note: in case you were wondering, the Lone Star Tick is the one that can cause people to become allergic to red meat.)

Here are the ones to be most concerned about:

• American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis, D. similis)
• Blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis)
• Brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus)
• Gulf Coast tick (Amblyomma maculatum)
• Lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum)
• Rocky Mountain wood tick (Dermacentor andersoni)
• Western blacklegged tick (Ixodes pacificus)

Make An Appointment At Your Stonington, CT Pet Hospital

How to Protect Your Pet from Ticks in 2024: Essential Tips for Pet Owners

How often should pet owners check their pets for ticks?

Pet owners should check their pets for ticks after every outdoor activity, especially if they’ve been in wooded areas, tall grass, or fields where ticks thrive. Daily inspections during peak tick season—spring and summer—are ideal, but it’s crucial to examine your pet closely year-round. Pay particular attention to areas like under the collar, between toes, and behind ears. Regular checks allow early detection and removal of ticks before they can transmit diseases. Routine use of parasite control products further minimizes the risk of infestations and associated health issues.

What are the specific signs of tickborne diseases in pets?

Signs of tickborne diseases in pets can vary depending on the illness but often include general symptoms like fever, lethargy, and reduced appetite. More specific signs may involve coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing. Pets may also show lameness, swelling, discolored gums, or experience seizures. Nosebleeds and signs of anemia, such as weakness and dark urine, can occur in certain diseases. These symptoms can also indicate other health issues, so it is crucial to contact a veterinarian if any are observed for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

How long after a tick bite do signs of tickborne diseases appear in pets?

Signs of tickborne diseases in pets can take varying amounts of time to appear, depending on the specific disease. For example, symptoms of Lyme disease may take up to five months to manifest, while other conditions like Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever or anaplasmosis may show signs sooner. Common symptoms to watch for include limping, fever, lack of appetite, vomiting, and lethargy. Since many of these diseases can take weeks or even months to develop, it’s vital to monitor pets closely after a tick bite and consult a vet if any unusual symptoms arise.

Are there vaccines available for tickborne diseases in pets?

There are no vaccines available for most tickborne diseases in pets. While Lyme disease has a vaccine for dogs, it’s not a substitute for regular tick prevention methods. Even with vaccination, pets can still contract other tickborne illnesses, such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis, for which no vaccines exist. The best protection is a comprehensive approach, including parasite control products like topical treatments, collars, and oral medications, as well as regular tick checks after outdoor activities to minimize the risk of infection.

What are the specific areas on a dog’s body to check for ticks?

Ticks often hide in areas on a dog’s body that are warm and less exposed. Be sure to check under the collar, between the toes, around the ears, and under the tail. Also, inspect the groin area, armpits, and around the eyes. These spots provide ticks with ideal conditions for attachment, as they are harder for dogs to reach and often have thinner skin. After outdoor activities, especially in wooded or grassy areas, regular tick checks in these locations are crucial to prevent infestations and potential health issues.

Does your furry pal need to come in for parasite control? Is your pet overdue for an exam? Contact us, your Stonington, CT pet hospital, today. We are always happy to help!