Ticks
Ticks are tiny little parasites that latch onto humans and dogs, and can spread various diseases. These disgusting little creatures prefer warm and humid environments, but can be found all around the world. Though they can be easy to spot on humans, they can go unnoticed on dogs, hiding in their coats and concealed areas. Once attached, they feed on their host by sucking blood for several days before dropping off and laying eggs. To transmit disease, ticks need to be attached for 24 to 48 hours. Lyme is the most common disease passed through ticks, which affects the joints, heart, and nervous system. Other diseases include Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Ehrlichiosis, and Powassan Virus Disease.
A not-so-fun fact: Female ticks can lay between 1,000 and 10,000 eggs, depending on the species.
Prevention of these diseases with over-the-counter medication from your vet is vital. However, it’s important to note that ticks are evolving and becoming increasingly immune to these medications. It is essential to check your dog thoroughly after any outdoor adventures, especially if they were walking through wooded areas, tall grass, moist environments, and areas where other wildlife inhabit, regardless of whether they are on medication. Common signs of tick diseases include lethargy, decreased appetite, weight loss, swollen joints or belly, pale gums, breathing difficulties, vomiting, diarrhea, and bloody urine.
Another not-so-fun fact: Ticks are arachnids, meaning they’re more closely related to spiders and scorpions than insects.
A tick found on the face of one of our furry friends. This one is full of the pup’s blood and has most likely been on long enough to transmit disease.
To be clear, ticks can be found anywhere on the body. Those who have dogs with thicker coats need to be extra cautious, as they can be harder to spot underneath the coat. Common areas they tend to frequent are between the toes, around the legs, under the collar, around the tail, and the ears. When checking for ticks, a high-velocity blow dryer is the most effective way to see straight down to the skin.
If you find a tick, move quickly to remove it using a pair of hemostats, pulling at the base and as close to the skin as possible, and twisting counterclockwise. Tweezers can also be used, but are less effective. Follow up with your vet to ensure there was no disease transmission. The quicker the ticks are found and removed, the less risk of disease transmission.
High-velocity dryer, hemostats, and more can be found here:
Lifestyle
An actual fun fact: An old myth claims that ticks can grow a new body if their bodies are disconnected from their heads while feeding or during removal—this is false. Get them off!
