Summer has arrived in the USA, which means more fun in the sun and outdoor adventures. While you and your beloved furry companion revel in the warmth of sunshine, let's not forget that it is also the peak season for ticks and fleas on dogs.
When these pesky little creatures hijack your pup's body, you know it's time to grab those antibacterial wipes and the best dog shampoo to ward them off. But hey! Let's not stop here.
Because there is more you can do to care for your dog during this tick season. Here's how.
Spot The Ticks
Dealing with ticks is never easy, and the first step is to identify the affected areas. They may be small, but they are experts at hiding. As skilled as these parasites are at camouflaging with your pet's body, locating them requires a keen eye for detail.
Check your dog thoroughly. Examine them from head to tail. You can use your hands to gently go through their coat. As ticks may be hard to spot, see for any bumps or lumps that can be felt on the skin's surface. On the other hand, fleas are quick and tag along your dog's fur, making them more visible.
You can also keep a check on specific body parts of your dog that are more prone to tick attacks.
Inside ears
Ticks are attracted to warm and moist areas, making your pooch's ears their favorite hideout. The skin around the ears is gentle, and blood vessels are closer to the surface, making the area around the ears highly prone to ticks.
Near eyelids
Ticks around eyelids may seem challenging to detect and are often misjudged for stains. However, ticks need blood to survive and breed, and eyes offer the perfect spot.
Between toes and around paws
Ticks from outside easily climb onto your dog through their paws. The area around paws and between their toes often goes unchecked, thus making it ideal for ticks and fleas to reside.
Along the tail
As long and furry as your pooch's tail, it can easily brush along fleas and ticks in every move. Fleas attach themselves to the fur, while ticks go for skin.
On the belly
With less hair coverage and more surface showing out, your dog's belly area is perfect for ticks to reside. Skin is easily accessible without any disturbances caused by grooming.Remove The Ticks
Once you've found ticks on your dog's skin, removing them effectively becomes crucial. Knowing proper ways of getting rid of ticks and disposing them off is essential for your pooch's health and hygiene, reducing discomfort and preventing tick-borne diseases.
Here is how to do it safely and efficiently.
Manual removal
Gather your tools- tick tweezers with fine tips, a pair of gloves, an antiseptic solution, and antibacterial wipes for dogs.
Use the tip of the tweezer to grab the tick close to the surface. Pull them straight upwards, away from your dog's skin. Avoid jerking or twisting while pulling the ticks away to prevent them from breaking and causing infections.
If you are using a tick remover, one with a forked design, place its tip underneath the bug. Apply gentle pressure to grab it, twisting it to loosen its grasp while pulling away in the upward direction.
Dispose of the removed ticks properly, disinfect the affected areas with an antiseptic solution, and wipe them clean using antibacterial wipes for dogs.
Tick shampoo
Tick shampoos contain active ingredients, like pyrethrins or permethrin, that kill ticks on contact. Lather your dog thoroughly during bath time to provide protection against ticks and effectively reduce irritation and itchiness caused by them on your pooch's skin. If irritation occurs, use only the best dog shampoo for itchy skin.
Choose the perfect tick shampoo for your furry friend. Different shampoos contain different formulations, so choose according to your dog's needs. Carefully read the label and usage instructions.
While in the bath, wet your dog thoroughly. Apply a generous amount of tick shampoo on your dog's fur. Make sure to massage them from neck to tail, including their head, ears, belly region, and paws.
Let the shampoo stay for a while or as directed by the manufacturer. Afterward, rinse your pooch and blow them dry. Repeat on a regular basis to achieve healthy skin and a glowing coat.
Topical treatments
Topical treatments refer to spot-on medications, typically including ointments, gels, sprays, patches, and other skin solutions. They are applied directly to your dog's skin and help achieve targeted results in tick-affected body parts. Their application ensures maximized impact on repelling ticks and killing them on contact.
For those seeking instant solutions for their pet's safety, topical treatments also serve convenience and ease of use. Many products in this category offer long-lasting protection from ticks, defense against infection, and reduced risks of tick-borne diseases.
Choose the right product based on its versatility. Read the instructions for dosage, application, and frequency. To apply, part your dog's fur to expose the infected area and apply through the applicator.
Prevent The Ticks
Sometimes, you won't be able to spot a tick unless it latches onto your pup's body. While ticks are prevalent in North America, especially in the warmer seasons, prevention techniques always come in handy.
That is why minimizing the damage and maximizing protection for your dog is crucial.
Tick collars
Tick collars can be your furry companion's best sidekicks. They are extremely popular and effective in keeping ticks at a distance from your pooch. Long-lasting protection in the form of wearable collars; they are easy to use and highly durable.
They work like repellents to provide continuous protection against ticks and fleas. Some collars release chemicals, like pyrethroids, flumethrin, amitraz, and many more, to ward off ticks. Others contain substances that seep into your dog's skin and treat them from the inside, killing parasites instantly.
All it takes is a simple fastening around the neck, and your dog is ready to fight infection-causing ticks and fleas.
Regular grooming
Grooming, in general, keeps your dog neat and tidy with a clean and trimmed fur coat. Thus, it reduces the possibility of camouflaged or embedded ticks and fleas. Also, it is easier to spot and remove ticks, if any.
If done properly, regular grooming can be an all-in-one solution for tackling unwanted hitchhikers on your dog. It not only allows pet parents to detect ticks on their furry friend's body but also completely removes them.
Hence, grooming is more of a healthy habit than a prevention strategy to keep ticks and fleas at bay, maintaining a healthy lifestyle for you and your four-legged companion.
Professional pest control
Pest control helps prevent, address, and manage the problem on a bigger scale. Effective products and comprehensive treatment come in handy when dealing with overall protection against ticks. This includes indoor and outdoor cleaning, yard maintenance, and preventive measures, in addition to treating existing tick infestation.
In that case, get your indoors and outdoors rigorously tested and cleaned. Pay extra attention to areas covered with tall grasses and shrubs. Areas that your pup frequently visits need thorough disinfecting, too.
For indoors, focus on vacuuming rugs, carpets, upholstery, and furniture. Make sure to get your dog's belongings, such as toys and bedding, cleaned as well.
Conclusion
Caring for your dog isn't just a routine. With the onset of tick season, arm yourself with the knowledge of your furry friend's safeguard. By adopting a proactive approach, you can troubleshoot ticks and prevent them from occurring.
