Dogs like to romp in the great outdoors and often roll around in shrubbery and tall grasses. Unfortunately, those are the kinds of environments where ticks thrive. These parasitic pests latch onto unsuspecting canines and use them for blood meals. In doing do, ticks can pass on a number of diseases, such as Lyme disease, tick-borne toxicosis, and sepsis.
Types of Ticks Found on Dogs
Though approximately 90 types of ticks live in the U.S., only a handful regularly use dogs as hosts. Perhaps the most notable is the brown dog tick, named for its propensity for targeting canines to feed on.
Other species that use dogs as hosts include American dog ticks, lone star ticks, and deer ticks, which are also known as blacklegged ticks.
Identification & Problems Caused
In order to stop ticks from getting into homes, pet owners should check their dogs for the pests each time they come back inside after long walks in the woods or extended periods of time outdoors.
How to Check for Ticks on Your Pets
Use a comb or manually separate the hairs on the dog’s body to look for the tiny parasites. Concentrate on the underbelly, legs, between toes, and near ears.
Catching ticks early stops your dog from developing itchy rashes or contracting dangerous diseases. The best way to prevent ticks on dogs is by using a veterinarian-recommended tick preventative treatment.
Removal
To remove ticks from dogs, individuals should use tweezers to pull the pests off in one clean, steady motion.
Since finding ticks on dogs indicates a nearby infestation, pet owners should then contact a professional pest control service. Pest control professionals can remove ticks from homes and yards, as well as offer tips for caring for infected animals and preventing future infestations.