Spring is in the air and warmer weather is right around the corner. As we become more and more anxious for outdoor adventures with our pups, we also have to be prepared for the sneaky pests who are ready to take advantage: ticks.
Ticks can carry quite a few deadly diseases, including Lyme disease, Canine Ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and more. This is why it’s important for pet owners to remember to check for ticks after being outdoors with their pups. The sooner ticks are discovered and removed, the better.
Here’s what you should know
1. Where to Look
Veterinarians recommend checking your pet for ticks right after being outdoors. If a tick latches onto your pup for three to 48 hours or more, it increases their risk of disease.
Ticks burrow in warm areas of the body which means they can be challenging to locate. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recommends checking these areas:
- Heads and Ears
- Toes
- Tail
- Groin
- Eyelids
- Under the Collar
- Armpits
2. Regular Grooming
Consider purchasing a grooming tub. These tubs, such as the ones manufactured by NorthStar Plastics, are helpful when getting your pet in the perfect position for bath time and when examining for ticks.
Grooming your pet regularly will help you examine for any odd lumps or bumps associated with ticks and tick bites. Washing your dog will also help remove ticks that have yet to latch to your dog’s skin but are burrowing in your dog’s fur.
3. Tick Removal
The AKC recommends using either fine-point tweezers or special tick removal tweezers instead of using your fingers. This will prevent the tick from burrowing further and causing more infection. When going in for the pest, spread your dog’s fur and then grab the tick as close to the skin as possible. Slowly and steadily, pull straight and upward. Be sure to remove the whole tick including its mouth. Once the tick is removed wash your hands, clean the bite with rubbing alcohol, and disinfect your removal tool (learn more here).
The next time you and your pup go on an outdoor adventure, be sure to check them for ticks right when you get home. This is one of the best ways you can keep your dog happy and healthy in addition to preventative medicine from your trusted veterinarian. To learn more about NorthStar Plastics’ grooming tub and other products that could be helpful to you and your dog this summer, visit https://northstarplasticsinc.com/.