Ticks are small, parasitic arachnids that can attach to your dog’s skin and suck their blood. They can infect dogs with various diseases that can harm their health and well-being. So, it would help to learn how to prevent tick bites on dogs through effective tick control and removal.
Diseases That Ticks Can Transmit to Dogs
- Lyme disease: This bacterial infection can cause various symptoms in dogs, including fever, joint pain, lameness, and facial paralysis. Over time, it can even lead to severe health complications like renal failure and heart disease.
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever: This bacterial infection can cause fever, headache, muscle pain, and rash. Without antibiotic treatment, it can be deadly.
- Ehrlichiosis: This bacterial infection can cause fever, lethargy, weight loss, and anemia. Though antibiotics can treat this infection within days, this infection could be fatal without proper medical attention.
How to Prevent Ticks on Dogs
To keep your furry friend tick-free, you can take several steps, such as:
- Use a tick repellent: You can find different tick repellents, both over-the-counter and prescription. Apply them as the label instructs.
- Trim the vegetation in your yard: Ticks like to live in tall grass and brush, so keeping up on your landscaping is important. Mow your lawn regularly, trim your bushes, and rake up leaves.
- Regularly check your dog for ticks: These parasites can latch onto any part of your dog’s body, but they often target areas with thin skin, such as the ears, neck, and armpits.
How to Remove a Tick on Dogs
If you find a tick on your dog, remove it quickly with fine-tipped tweezers or a tick tool. Grasp it near the skin and pull it out straight. Clean the tick bite with soap and water after removing it. If your dog has been bitten, monitor them to see if they develop any signs of illness. Tick-borne diseases may take weeks or months to show, so be alert. Call your vet right away if your dog has any of these symptoms:
- Fever
- Joint pain
- Lameness
- Rash
- Lethargy
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
How to Get Rid of Ticks in Your Yard
Prevention is key in preventing tick bites – and, thankfully, it doesn’t have to take a lot of time or effort. To get rid of ticks in your yard, you can:
- Clear leaf litter and debris
- Mow your lawn often
- Trim your bushes
- Aerate your lawn
Get Professional Tick Control
Ticks are persistent pests that can be challenging to get rid of. If you keep finding ticks in your yard and want to protect yourself and your pets, call the experts at Allied Termite & Pest Control. We have over two decades of experience in pest control and provide a range of services for residential and commercial customers.
Our team of state-certified experts uses proven methods to eliminate fleas and ticks from your property. We also offer prevention services to keep ticks from returning. Whether you need a one-time treatment or a regular maintenance plan, Allied has you covered. Contact us today to learn more or schedule a service.
