Saturday, June 4, 2011

Ticks and Dogs: Tips from DogAndTicks.com

Deer tick (Ixodes scapularis), often referred to as the black-legged tick. Can cause Lyme disease in dogs and canine anaplasmosis.
Deer tick
This week we learned about a resource for pet owners that's all about ticks, tick prevention and treatment for tick-borne diseases in dogs. And since we're right smack-dab in the heart of tick season -- it runs from April through November -- we think DogsAndTicks.com is a worthy resource for all owners of pets who may be exposed to ticks.

There's lots of useful information on the site including information on how to protect your dog from ticks and how to recognize signs of tick diseases in dogs.
Western black-legged tick (Ixodes pacificus) can cause Lyme disease in dogs. Dog tick pictures.
Western black-
legged tick

We particularly liked these handy Tick Prevention Tips which include important safety tips as well as these tips on how to remove a tick from your dog.

How to remove a tick 
If you find a tick on your dog, remove it right away:
  • Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands.
  • Grasp the tick very close to the skin with a pair of fine-tipped tweezers. With a steady motion, pull the tick's body away from the skin. Avoid crushing the tick to prevent infection.
  • After removal, clean your dog's skin with soap and warm water.
  • Throw the dead tick away with your household trash or flush it down the toilet.
  • Never use petroleum jelly, a hot match, nail polish or other products to remove a tick.
Years ago I remember hearing about using a hot match or petroleum jelly to remove a tick, and it seems that's not only an old wives tale but also a bad idea

For more information about tick diseases and tick-bite prevention, check out DogsAndTicks.com and consult your veterinarian. 
Ticks can be found anywhere, from deep woods to urban parks. Cosmo says, be sure to check your dogs for ticks every day, especially during tick season.

10 comments:

  1. We're overrun with ticks this time of year. Yuck! Thanks for the helpful resource. Glad to find your blog, this is great.

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  2. Woof! Woof! Golden Thanks for this ... I got a tick once n it was not fun taking it out. Happy BLOG HOP Weekend. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar

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  3. Hi There,

    The link you refer to at dogs and ticks was really useful - we know of a Dog who had a Tick recently so it was timely to be able to read about it - we will pass this on as that Dogs owner thought their flea treatment prevented ticks, but actually it doesn't, just fleas - doh!

    Have a great day,

    Your pal Snoopy :)

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  4. Glad you got your prize. Much love to Cosmo from Tanner and Oliver.

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  5. Good info. Ticks are definitely bad in our area this year. Thanks for sharing!

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  6. HI, thanks for the visit!
    Great info. here, we are blessed not to have ticks and fleas in Alaska : )

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  7. Good information!

    Nubbin wiggles,
    Oskar

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  8. Dog owners everywhere are going to find this very useful. Thanks for posting it.

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  9. i found this useful very useful.

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