Photo by ownza
If your dog spends time outside, regardless of how careful you are, your pet is likely to pick up a tick. Ticks are tenacious parasites that thrive in thick grass and wooded regions. They cling on as your dog walks by, and it can be tough to get them off once they’ve infested your furry friend.
Ticks will fall off your dog once they’ve finished feeding, but this might take several days and put your dog at risk of Lyme disease and other health problems. The longer they are attached, the more likely they become infected.
- Check your dogs for ticks regularly
Photo by tatomm
Check your dog for any signs of ticks, especially if they love to run through tall grass or dense brush. Pay specific attention to the neck (especially beneath collars), head, ears, feet, and between the toes. You can find many helpful tips on the Internet on how to recognize and locate ticks on your dog or cat.
It’s important to remember that tick bites are difficult to detect until the tick has dropped away from your dog after feasting. Since tick bites rarely itch, you won’t know your dog has been infected, unless you can see the tick or your dog demonstrates signs of paralytic tick toxicity. If you check for ticks every day, you’ll have a better chance of catching a tick while it’s still attached to your dog.
- Tick collars
Tick-repellent collars are another option; albeit they are mostly used to protect the neck and head against ticks. To deposit the chemicals onto your dog’s fur and skin, the tick collar must make contact with his skin. When fitting this form of leash on your dog, make sure there’s just enough room beneath the collar to accommodate two fingers under it when it’s around the dog’s neck.
To keep your dog from gnawing on the collar, cut off any unwanted length. In case of an adverse reaction to the collar, look for indicators of pain or excessive scratching. When choosing a collar, make sure to read the labels thoroughly.
- Oral medications
Anti-tick pills are widely sold in pet shops. These treatments can kill ticks and larval fleas, as well as interrupt the flea life cycle. They’re simple to administer, and unlike spot-on treatments, you won’t have to worry about small children or pets making contact with dogs right after application.
- Shampoos specifically for removing ticks
Ticks are often killed on contact when your dog is bathed with a shampoo containing medicinal chemicals. During peak tick season, this can be a cost-effective (but labour-intensive) way of tick protection for your dog. Since the effective chemicals won’t remain as long as a spot-on or oral treatment, you’ll really have to repeat the process every two weeks.
- Tick Sprays
Tick spray is another item that can be purchased at most veterinary clinics. They are not only used for topical treatment on dogs but many of them can also be sprayed inside the room to help control other pests like fleas.
Before using, read the instructions thoroughly. When spraying, use caution and limit skin contact as much as possible, as well as breathing the spray. Think about whether or not this product is right for you, especially if you have young children.
- Specialized powders
Powders specially formulated to remove and deter ticks are another sort of topical therapy for your dog. These powders should be managed with care during applications. Make sure the powder is labelled for pets and that it is suitable for your dog’s age before using it.
Check the label to see if the medication is designed to kill ticks along with fleas. Be cautious since it can affect the mouth and airways if inhaled. Use little portions and rub it in carefully.
Make sure to be careful when applying them—avoid touching your face, nose, and eyes. You’ll need to apply the anti-tick powder more regularly during the peak period, probably once a week. Some powders can also be used in locations wherever your pet sleeps and other parts of your dog daycare in Etobicoke where your pooch spends much time.
