JACKSON, Tenn. – Spring and summer bring opportunities for dog owners to get outdoors with their pets. It also brings an increased risk of ticks and disease.
“They’re prevalent now and prevention is better than cure. That’s the main thing to bear in mind,” said Angela Laws, Head of Community at TrustedHousesitters.com.
Ticks can also bring diseases, such as Lyme Disease, that can affect both pets and humans. Experts say there are some dogs that are more likely to pick up ticks than others.
“If you’ve got long, thick coats and those breeds that are outside, that are hunters, that are into undergrowth, that are into forests, etc., they are the ones to watch more than your little one that’s at home that doesn’t go anywhere,” said Laws. “Those dogs with those heavy coats, you need to really be aware.”
There are options for tick preventative over-the-counter medication as well as medication from a veterinarian. Laws said it is important to consult your veterinarian before choosing your preventative care option. “Check in with your veterinarian and getting the right product for the lifestyle of your dog,” said Laws. “There are many products as long as you go and get one that’s recommended by them.”
For example, Laws said if you have a dog that is frequently in the water then using a topical preventative medication is not a good option because it washes off. Dogs that are frequently in the water need a preventative medication that are the chewable type.
Another preventative measure is to check your dog when you groom them. While you groom your dog, check for all the areas that a tick could get on them and might hide.
Laws also warns about the improper and dangerous methods of trying to remove ticks and the importance of proper tick removal.
“Whatever you do, if you do find one, use a proper tick removal,” said Laws. She said ‘old wives’ tales’ such as lighting a match or using petroleum jelly to remove a tick is not effective and should never be used.
“You should use a tick remover and you can find them if you go online or go to your veterinarian and also a very pointed pair of tweezers to get them out because you need to get the head out. You mustn’t leave anything in there.”
Ticks bring a danger of diseases, such as Lyme Disease, which makes it crucial to use tick prevention in order to protect your pet as well as yourself.
“The tick has to be in your animal for 48 hours before it’s a risk of Lyme disease and that preventative measure by using those products, within those 48 hours they’ve killed it so you won’t have the risk,” said Laws.
If your pet begins being lethargic and not behaving like normal then you should make a visit to your veterinarian and get professional advice.
She also recommends effective and thorough communication with any house sitter or pet sitter you use if you are going to be away from the house.
“Let them know what prevention you’re using and let them know those areas that you know where you’re likely to pick them up and also how you want your pet looked after and cared for to prevent them from getting sick,” said Laws.
If you would like more information on preventing Lyme Disease, proper tick removal and prevention, and what would be best for your pet, consult your local veterinarian.
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