Protecting Your Pet From Ticks

Summer is around the corner, and we all know what that means: ticks. Ticks have always been a nuisance, but their numbers have really risen over the last few years. With ticks on the ‘uptick,’ so are the potential dangers they pose to both people and pets. Here, a Tipp City, OH vet discusses ticks, and offers tips on keeping you and your pet safe.

Ohio is the reluctant home of several tick species, including the American Dog Tick, Blacklegged Tick or Deer Tick, Lone Star Tick, and Brown Dog Tick. These can pass along some very dangerous diseases, such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and Anaplasmosis. As you may have heard, ticks can also cause people to become allergic to meat.

The best thing you can do to keep your pet safe from these disgusting parasites is to simply keep up with their parasite control. There are several options available, from oral medications to topical drops to sprays and collars. Talk to your vet about what’s best for your furry friend. (Note: you should never double up on these products, as that can be dangerous.) It’s also important to keep yourself safe. Use spray repellant and protective clothing when venturing into the woods.

Good landscaping tactics will also help. Keep your yard neatly mowed and your hedges trimmed away from your house. You’ll also want to remove any fallen produce and/or debris piles from your property. Putting a gravel path around your place may also help. Ticks often turn back at these barriers.

We generally recommend checking both yourself and your pet daily, especially after being in fields or wooded areas. Check between your pet’s toes, and under their collar. If you find a tick, remove it carefully with a tick popper or tweezer. First, put a little rubbing alcohol on the spot. Then, pull the tick straight up in a steady motion. Do not twist or squeeze. Be sure you get the whole thing! Once the little beast is out, take a photo of it, so you can identify it later if need be. Then, use a bit more rubbing alcohol to sterilize the wound, and offer your furry patient a treat.

Please reach out to us, your Tipp City, OH vet clinic, for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!