4 Things Pet Parents Should Know About Ticks

Let me start off this post by saying that I thoroughly check for ticks on a weekly bases. My dogs and I spend a bit of time outside, especially on the weekends when we go to the reservoir or park. There are always lots of other dogs at the reservoir or park so I’m always weary of fleas and ticks after my dogs come home from playtime.

Ticks are parasites that attach to hosts and feed on blood. There are at least eight species of ticks in North America alone that routinely feed on dogs. Ticks are increasing in prevalence. In 2014, the Companion Animal Parasite Council announced that tick territories were expected to expand and that tick-borne diseases would pose a higher threat to pets over time.  If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. It’s important to remember that ticks also feed on humans.

Here are four important things anyone with animals should know about ticks.

Ticks Carry Disease

Ticks are known to carry potentially dangerous diseases. Although all ticks don’t transmit disease, all tick bites should be taken seriously. The symptoms of most tick-borne diseases include fever and lethargy, though some can also cause weakness, lameness, joint swelling and/or anemia. Ticks may also cause localized redness, infection, and even temporary paralysis.​ Common diseases are Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Ticks Are Experts at Finding Hosts

Ticks sense motion, body heat, and carbon dioxide (that stuff we exhale). They hide out in tall grasses, brush, and similar areas, waiting for a good host to approach. Once a host is found, the tick attaches and drinks blood until it becomes engorged. It is during this time that dangerous pathogens can enter the host's bloodstream.

Ticks Don't Just Live in the Woods

Ticks tend to sit in tall grass or plants until a host is found. Though there are plenty of ticks in wooded areas, this is not their only habitat. Ticks live in your backyard. Keeping grass short and plants neatly pruned can help minimize the presence of ticks, but there is no guarantee. Check your dog regularly for ticks. Also, I’m always sure to check my body and hair thoroughly when camping or spending extra time outside.

Keep in mind that ticks attack humans just as well as they attack any other animal. Make sure to vacuum your home regularly. Ticks can sit in carpet for a while and even lay eggs, which could lead to multiple tick bites and possible infection for you, your animals, and your family.

There’s a Particular Way to Remove a Tick

Removing a tick is pretty easy. You’ll need a pair or tweezers that allow a good grip while holding. Position the tweezers where the tick's mouth meets the skin. Pull the tick straight out. Make sure not to squeeze the ticks body as this may transmit disease to yourself or your animal. If the head stays in the skin, gently remove it with the tweezers. I’ve been told to sit the ticks body in alcohol before disposal. make sure to clean your animal at the site of the tick bite. Monitor your animal over the next few days. Contact your vet if you notice significant irritation or signs of infection.