Tick Prevention for Dogs That Lasts All Year
The overlapping space between wildlife and people makes it easier for ticks to thrive. These parasites can’t fly; instead, they proliferate in overgrown grass and shrubbery simply waiting for new hosts to come by. Feasting on the blood of various mammals, birds, and reptiles, ticks are super hardy and here to stay. Dog owners can do a lot to reduce the risks of vector-borne illness, making tick prevention for dogs a high priority.
Heading Out, Staying In
You could be zealous in your approach to tick prevention for dogs, and still find ticks on your pets or your family members. It is an unfortunate reality that we all face at one time or another.
The best way to fight these terrible relatives of spiders is to maintain your dog’s year-round parasite prevention methods. Some dogs wear collars, others tolerate the topical gel applied to the back of the neck. There are also injectable medications that reduce your dog’s vulnerability to fleas, ticks, and heartworm-carrying mosquitos.
Whatever your approach, keep it up. Consistency is key in the long haul against parasites. We are happy to help you find the right parasite prevention medication that suits your dog best.
Don’t Forget About Habitat
Ticks flourish in shady, overgrown areas. Trim these spots down on your own property to reduce ticks from multiplying. Reduce areas around the yard that attract other animals that could inadvertently bring ticks into your garden beds or compost heaps.
When you and your dog go for walks or hikes together, try to limit their time in areas far from the sidewalk or path. Remember, ticks lie in wait for their next host to happen by, and if you don’t venture near them, they cannot attach themselves to you from a distance.
It is recommended that owners wear light-colored long clothing when outdoors to help see any attached ticks. Always keep pants and sleeves rolled down.
Other Measures
Check your dog’s coat and skin every day for ticks. They tend to be found under the arms, the groin area, stomach, neck, and legs. The sooner ticks are removed, the better. Check out our previous blog post on how to safely remove ticks. Please contact us with any questions or concerns.
Ticks have the potential to spread zoonotic diseases, illnesses that spread between both people and animals. Not all ticks carry disease, but the illnesses they can spread include some terrible ones, such as:
- Lyme disease
- Ehrlichiosis
- Canine anaplasmosis
- Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
- Tularemia
There are over a dozen common tick species to watch out for, but the most common ones are the American Dog Tick, Lone Star Tick, and the Blacklegged tick.
Tick Prevention for Dogs
Even if your dog’s lifestyle is particularly “outdoorsy” it is important that they are screened every year for tick-borne illnesses. This helps us stay in front of developing problems so we can better treat them.
If you have any concerns about your dog’s parasite prevention methods, call us at (210) 681-1391. We are always here for your dog at Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital.