Spring Time is Tick Season, Learn How to Protect Your Pets

Spring time flea and tick prevention Helphouse.com - photo by Katrina_S from Pixabay

Flea and tick season is upon us, so let’s be responsible pet owners! Realize your furry friends are a paradise for these dangerous insects.

Spring is a time when ticks become more active, posing a serious threat to the health of our furry friends. As responsible pet owners, it’s important to take preventative measures to protect our pets from these dangerous insects.

Tick Prevention

Updated April 24, 2023: To prevent tick infestations, the CDC recommends using veterinary approved flea and tick products, such as sprays, collars, and shampoos. Speak to your veterinarian to find the most appropriate product for your pets. It’s important to read the labels and avoid applying flea and tick medications made for cats on dogs, or vice versa, unless it specifically says so on the label.

Some people claim that certain essential oils, such as rose geranium, cedarwood, and peppermint oil, can repel ticks when applied to the skin or added to a spray bottle, however there is limited scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of homemade tick repellents. Furthermore, using a homemade tick repellent with essential oils can be risky, as some essential oils can be toxic to pets and may cause adverse reactions.

For the best protection against ticks, it is recommended to use veterinarian-approved tick preventatives, such as spot-on treatments or collars, and to follow recommended tick prevention practices, such as avoiding tick-infested areas and checking your pet for ticks regularly.

Tick Removal

Regularly check your pets, and yourself, for ticks after walks through the woods or grassy areas. Keeping your grass mowed can also help reduce the likelihood of ticks latching onto your pet’s legs. Pay close attention to your pet’s paws and between toes, on their lips, around the eyes and ears, near the anus and under the tail. The faster you can remove a tick, the less likely your pet will contract a secondary illness related to the tick bite. If you’re unable to remove it yourself, consult your veterinarian.

How to remove a tick: If you find a tick on your pet, it’s important to remove it safely and promptly. Use tweezers to grasp the tick’s head as close to your pet’s skin as possible and pull it straight out gently but firmly with steady, even pressure. Be sure to clean the bite area with rubbing alcohol or soap and water, and dispose of the tick by burning it safely or placing it in alcohol. If you’re unable to remove the tick yourself, seek veterinary assistance.

Tick-Borne Diseases

According to recent studies, tick infestations are on the rise, with a significant increase in tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and others. These diseases can cause a wide range of health problems for pets, including fever, joint pain, and even paralysis.

The most common tick-borne diseases that pets can contract include Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Symptoms of these diseases include fever, lethargy, and joint pain. To prevent these diseases, keep your pet on a regular tick prevention regimen and watch for any signs of illness. If you suspect your pet may have a tick-borne disease, seek veterinary care immediately.

Geographic distribution of ticks that bite humans
If you live in a tick infested area, take preventative measures to protect yourself from tick bites, and check yourself and your pets every time you come back into the house. Source: cdc.gov

Additional Tips on Tick Prevention

Try to avoid using store-bought flea medications, as they are not the same formulas as those sold by veterinarians and may not be as effective or safe for your pet. Always consult with your veterinarian before using any flea or tick product on your pet to ensure their safety and efficacy.

To properly check your pet for ticks, start by running your hands over their entire body, using a fine-toothed comb to brush through their fur, and checking their skin carefully for small, black or brown bumps. Focus on areas where ticks like to hide, such as around the ears, under the collar, and between the toes. Remember to check your pet for ticks after every outdoor activity. For fleas, look for them on areas of your pet’s coat that are thin, such as the belly, inner hind limbs, and armpits.

Mow your lawn regularly, as ticks can latch onto your pet’s legs. If you have multiple pets, treat them all at the same time to help prevent cross-infestation. When treating your pets, also treat the surrounding areas. Wash or get rid of all bedding, and vacuum furniture and carpets. Don’t forget to empty the vacuum containers, preferably outside, as fleas will escape and jump.

Updated Resources about Ticks

For more information on tick prevention and treatment, we recommend visiting the website of a trusted veterinary organization or government agency, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

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