Dog owners are always concerned about how do ticks get on dogs and how to remove a tick from a dog? Ticks are unpleasant guests for both; the pet and the owner that need to be taken care of as soon as they are discovered.
Dogs are furry animals, which means they always carry something in their furs that should to be removed or treated. Small insects and parasites dwell under these furs and are harmful for the dog and the humans. Out of many dangerous insects, one is tick which get on dogs for at least once in their lifetime and are a matter of concern for a responsible pet owner.
After all, ticks are the breeding ground for diseases in dogs such as Lyme disease, a debilitating disease that can put an end to your pet’s life.
What are Ticks?
Ticks are 3mm to 5mm long arachnids i.e. they belong to the class of creatures having 8 legs such as spiders and scorpions. Ticks are somewhat like fleas, but an oversized one that feeds on the blood of hosts. They are initially light grey, but as it feeds on the blood, it gets darker and bigger.
Ticks on dogs are most likely be mistaken with the warts and small bugs, but they are more than that. Mere bugs get onto the dog’s skin, bite and fly away, however, ticks never leave their host until or unless, they are removed.
How to Remove a Tick from a Dog?
Vets stress upon checking your dogs for ticks after a nice evening walk or a play date because of the possible chances of getting ticks on the dog’s body.
Even though only a few ticks can be fatal for your dog, it is, however, advised to be vigilant in removing ticks once your dog gets them to prevent dangerous diseases such as ehrlichiosis.
Ticks are more active in the months of April to September, so during this time of the year, try to limit your dog’s activities to home and home garden for the sake of his health.
Sometimes, even after taking all the precautionary measures, your dog can still get a tick or two and this is how you can remove a tick from a dog:
- Tweezers:
If you happen to find a tick on your dog, do not fret. It can easily be removed with a pair of tweezers. Use a fine-pointed tweezer to remove a tick from your dog so you don’t tear the tick.
- Wear gloves on your hands.
- Soothe and calm your dog down. If he’s being aggressive, let him play with you and then continue.
- Part your dog’s hair. Grasp the tick from the tweezers as close to the skin.
- Gently pull the tick in the vertically upward direction in a slow but steady motion to prevent the tick from embedding deep into the skin.
- Once the tick is gone, disinfect the area with rubbing alcohol and don’t forget to kill the tick with rubbing alcohol or flush it off.
2. Frontline Plus for the Removal of Ticks in Dogs:
Veterinarians recommend using frontline plus for the complete elimination of ticks and fleas in dogs.
There are two products with the same name; Frontline and frontline plus where frontline partially removes fleas and ticks and only works on adult ticks. However, Frontline Plus works on both; adult and young ticks and removes them completely.
- A credit card or Butter Knife to Remove Ticks from Dogs.
Many dog owners don’t prefer tweezers for this process, as they think it might get the tick’s head embedded into the dog’s skin and cause worse problems.
In this case, a credit card or a butter knife would be helpful to remove a tick from the dog. Just get a credit card and gently push it against the tick until the tick backs out. Once it’s out, take a scotch tape, and wrap it around the tick so it doesn’t come in contact with your skin. Fold the tape and discard it along with the tick.
- Vinegar:
This is the easiest method to remove a tick from dogs. Make a homemade spray solution with one part vinegar and one part water and spray it directly over the dog’s skin. Be careful not to get this solution into the eyes of a dog.
How to Prevent Ticks from Ticking Off your Dogs?
Ticks are the most common parasites found on the dogs, but they can be deadly if not removed and treated timely. Whatever the case may be, prevention is better than cure. Here are a few tips and tricks to prevent the ticks from ticking off your dogs:
A: Tick Collars:
Tick and flea collars are used to prevent infestation of ticks. These collars rest around the pet’s neck, therefore they are the most effective for neck and face areas where ticks mostly live on.
The tick collars perform two basic functions:
- Repelling: They emit a special kind of gas that repels the ticks.
- Treating: They emit active ingredients that kill fleas and ticks on the spot before they can bite the dog.
B: Tick Dips:
A concentrated chemical like substance diluted with water is applied on an animal’s fur to prevent the ticks ticking off your dog. It is so strong that you may need to consult your vet before applying it directly over your dog’s skin.
C: Topical Treatments:
Several topical treatments can be used to prevent ticks from attacking your dog especially if you live near to hilly and forestry areas where the chances of getting a tick on a dog are higher. Always buy these medications with the help of an expert veterinarian and trust no one with it. If used correctly and consistently, these ointments will keep away ticks from your dogs for about a month or two.
Conclusion:
Dogs often catch fleas and ticks from the places they visit. It is a normal process that needs to be taken care of with care. Once your dog is all free from all the ticks. You still need to take care of it and take precautionary measures so the ticks don’t return.
- Always keep your lawn clean and disinfected with pesticides.
- Give your dog a nice bath with medicated anti-tick shampoo twice a week.
- Use few drops of Dettol or any other disinfectant while mopping the floor.
- Check your dogs for ticks and fleas daily and remove them immediately.
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