Tackling Tick Troubles - How to keep your pets safe this summer
As temperatures rise and days get longer, many of us eagerly embrace the joys of summer - outdoor adventures, beach outings, leisurely hikes, etc. However, amidst the excitement of these summertime activities, there’s one pesky pest that pet owners need to be particularly vigilant about: ticks.
Ticks are small blood-sucking parasites that thrive in those warm and humid environments. This unfortunately makes summer the peak season for tick activity (especially if you live in the Northeast). These tiny parasites not only pose a threat to our pets’ health and our health, but can also transmit a variety of diseases, including Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. To ensure a tick-free summer for you and your furry friends, here are some tips and precautions to keep in mind:
Research the Enemy:
Familiarize yourself with the common types of ticks found in your area (because they differ depending on where you live) and the diseases they may carry. Different regions may have different species of ticks, so understanding the local tick populations is important in implementing effective prevention strategies.
Tick-Proof Your Entire Property Outdoors:
Create a tick-safe environment by keeping your lawn neatly trimmed, removing leaves, and minimizing areas of dense foliage where ticks thrive. Consider a pet-safe repellent, or environmentally friendly tick control products in your yard.
Tick-Proof Your Home Indoors:
Take preventative measures to minimize the risk of bringing ticks into your home. This includes but is not limited to: washing and drying your pet’s bedding weekly, vacuuming carpets and furniture frequently, and considering tick-control products in your home.
Conduct Routine Tick Checks:
After spending time outdoors, thoroughly inspect you (and your pets) for ticks. Again, they like to hide in dark, moist area so pay close attention to areas such as the ears, neck, under arms, between toes, and around the tail. Use a fine-toothed comb to comb through your pet’s fur, and remove any ticks you find using tweezers, a tick removal tool, or your hands (which is what we do because in the moment, we don’t have either product readily available).
Use Preventative Measures:
Consult with your veterinarian about the most appropriate tick prevention products for your pet. These options may include topical treatments (like Frontline), oral medications, or tick collars. Remember to follow the instructions on the package closely and apply these products as directed for optimal effectiveness.
When Hiking, Stay on Trails:
When venturing into wooded or grassy areas, stick to a designated trail and avoid walking through tall grasses or dense foliage as often as possible, because this is where ticks are more likely to be present. Prior to hiking, consider using tick-repellent on your clothing for both you and your pet.
Educate Yourself:
Stay informed about the latest developments in tick prevention and control, as well as the signs and symptoms of tick-borne diseases in pets.** Understanding what to look for and when to seek veterinary care can help keep your pet safe.
By taking proactive steps to prevent tick infestations and protect you and your pets from tick-borne diseases, you can ensure a safer and more enjoyable summer for both you and your furry companions. Remember, vigilance is key - so stay tick-aware and keep those pesky parasites at an arm’s length!
**Check out my article on signs & symptoms your pet is carrying a tick-borne disease coming soon!!
