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<p dir="auto">As the weather gets nicer and begs for more outdoor activity with your pet, it is important to understand the risks of ticks.</p><p dir="auto">Tick bites on both pets and humans can lead to Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, which cause very dangerous and uncomfortable symptoms such as anemia, arthritis, and even paralysis. Ticks are, therefore, something to be understood and avoided. Here are some facts about ticks as they affect your fur baby.</p><p dir="auto">Ticks are ectoparasites, which means they live by feeding on the blood of mammals, birds, and sometimes reptiles and amphibians. They attach by inserting their mouthparts into the skin. Many ticks additionally secrete a sticky substance that keeps them attached. The places where ticks attach can become red and irritated, which is easier to spot on a human than it is on an animal with fur.</p><p dir="auto"><strong>Prevention</strong><br>The best way to prevent ticks from attaching to your pet is to keep them inside and on leash when they are outside. Regardless (because even animals who stay indoors can get ticks that come in via other animals or humans), we recommend a prescription medicine regimen to prevent both ticks and fleas in your animal.<br>If your dog runs free in your yard and you have woods, try to create a landscape buffer, such as gravel or mulch, to separate the lawn from the more tick-friendly wooded area.<br>Treat the garden areas with a pet-safe insecticide. Same with the inside of your home–treat your carpeting, furniture, and walls with an eco-friendly tick preventative.</p><p dir="auto"><strong>Removal<br></strong>After all your attempts to prevent ticks from biting your animal, you may find a tick. There is a right way and a wrong way to get rid of ticks.</p><p dir="auto">Don’t just pull them out by hand or try to burn them. Instead, use fine-tipped tweezers placed close to the skin. Carefully pinch the tick’s head with the tweezers, and without twisting, pull it straight out. Be careful not to crush or squeeze the tick’s body, which can accidentally cause the tick’s bacteria-filled blood to get into your pet’s bloodstream.</p><p dir="auto">Once the tick has been removed, place it in a jar of insecticide or rubbing alcohol.</p><p dir="auto">Do not flush the tick down the toilet or sink, as they can survive in water.</p><p dir="auto">Because ticks can carry so many diseases, protect yourself from contact by wearing gloves and thoroughly washing your hands after you’re finished</p><p dir="auto">After removal, clean the area of the bite with an antiseptic. The bite area may itch, causing your pet to scratch or chew at it, so continue to monitor the area to make sure it doesn’t become infected or abscessed.</p><p dir="auto">Lastly, continue to monitor your pet after you remove a tick from their skin, as symptoms of tick-borne diseases may not show up for several days or weeks. Stay on the lookout for fever, loss of appetite, lethargy, or any stiffness in the limbs.</p>

Tick bites on both pets and humans can lead to Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, which cause very dangerous and uncomfortable symptoms such as anemia, arthritis, and even paralysis. Ticks are, therefore, something to be understood and avoided. Here are some facts about ticks as they affect your fur baby.

TICK SEASON-WHAT TO KNOW!

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Your pet can't tell you when something's wrong. That's why regular wellness exams are so important. These visits give us the chance to catch health issues early, before they become painful or costly.  

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Bad breath isn't just annoying - it's often a sign of deeper health issues. Dental disease in pets can lead to oral pain, local or systemic infection, tooth loss, and even heart, liver, or kidney complications. 

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Fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms are not just a nuisance, they are dangerous. These tiny pests can cause serious health issues like Lyme disease, heartworm disease, and tapeworms. 

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Vaccines are one of the most important tools we have to protect pets from serious, often deadly diseases. Whether you have a rambunctious or a relaxed pet, vaccinations help your pet build strong immunity and avoid preventable illness.

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When your pet isn't acting like themselves, diagnostic testing helps us find the reason. From bloodwork, urine testing, and fecal exams to x-rays, these tests give us a window into what's happening inside, so we can take action before things get worse.

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When pets get sick or injured, you want answers fast. Advanced imaging gives us a deeper look, without invasive procedures.


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TICK SEASON-WHAT TO KNOW!

Recent Blogs

Related Blogs

Parasite Prevention for Dogs and Cats | Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Protection

FAQs

Sheet title

TICK SEASON-WHAT TO KNOW!

Recent Blogs

Lyme Disease in Dogs: Prevention, Symptoms, and Tick Protection

Parasite Prevention for Dogs and Cats | Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Protection

Poison Prevention in Pets: What Every Owner Needs to Know

Related Blogs

Parasite Prevention for Dogs and Cats | Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Protection

FAQs

What should I do if my pet shows signs of illness?

Do you offer pet dental care services?

What is the best diet for my dog or cat?

What if I have questions about my pet's medications?

How often should I bring my pet to the vet for a check-up?

What are the most common health issues for senior pets?