If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, he's at high risk of picking up ticks–those multi-legged, disease-carrying parasites that like to hide in the fur and attach themselves to the skin. Learning proper tick removal and ways of preventing ticks in the first place are crucial for stopping the spread of disease not only to your dog but to yourself and your family.
Dangers of Ticks
Although such a tiny insect might seem harmless at first glance, the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation (AKCCHF) estimates that thousands of dogs are infected each year with tick-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease, canine ehrlichiosis, canine anaplasmosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, some of which are transmissible to humans. Tick bites can also become infected and cause soreness and parasitic dermatitis, especially when the tick hasn't been properly removed. Although field dogs, outdoor dogs, and dogs that spend a lot of time in wooded areas are the most at risk, all dogs could potentially come into contact with ticks at some point, so regular tick checks are a good habit for all dog parents to acquire.
Keep an eye on your dog. If you notice that he is scratching or chewing at a particular spot on his body, he might have picked up a tick, and it is a good idea to check the spot where he is itching. For dogs with lots of hair, special combs can come in handy to comb the hair away for you to more easily inspect. A second person to help in this situation can come in handy too.
Dicas Saborosas
Tick Removal
If possible, especially if it's your first time dealing with tick removal, the AKCCHF recommends taking your dog to a veterinarian or a vet technician to ensure it's done properly and avoid infection. If you decide to remove the tick yourself, PetMD advises wearing disposable gloves and using tweezers to handle the tick–never let it come into contact with your skin. Using the tweezers, grasp it as close to the head as possible and pull straight out without twisting or squeezing the body.
Once it's out, put the tick in a small container of rubbing alcohol to kill it. Be sure that the head is still attached to the body. If you suspect that the head is still embedded in your dog's skin, you should consult your vet and keep an eye on it for infection. Treat the bite area by cleaning and disinfecting it.
Afterward, keep a watchful eye on your dog for any signs of illness. Signs and symptoms of tick-borne illnesses may take anywhere from seven to twenty-one or more days to appear, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Symptoms vary from illness to illness, so if you notice anything unusual about your dog during this time, be sure to contact your vet right away.
If you do find a tick hiding on your dog somewhere be sure to check yourself as well as the rest of your family for additional parasites as well. This will help keep your family from getting any diseases, as well as the parasite jumping hosts and getting back onto your dog.
Preventing Ticks
Of course, prevention is the best medicine. Treat your yard for ticks and other insects, and trim bushes and other tick-friendly habitats. Get into the habit of checking your pup for ticks after every outdoor excursion, and ask your vet to do a tick check at every exam. Tick prevention for your dog is available in several forms, including sprays and powders, shampoos and dips, collars, oral pills, and topical treatments. Dogs tend to have varied reactions to chemical treatments, so discuss with your vet which methods are best for your dog.
Ticks are definitely something to take seriously, but don't let their seriousness alarm you. By following these prevention guidelines and keeping a diligent eye out for these parasites on your dog, you'll go a long way toward mitigating the health risk that these parasites pose to your dog and your family.
Produtos relacionados
Digestão Perfeita para Cães Adultos
Hill's Science Diet Perfect Digestion é uma ração super premium para cães que promove o bem-estar digestivo e contribui para um microbioma saudável.
Pele Sensível Pequenos e Mini para Cães Adultos
A ração super premium seca para cães Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small & Mini é um alimento completo seco, suave para o estômago enquanto nutre a pele e promove uma bela pelagem, indicado para a manutenção de cães adultos de raças pequenas e mini com até 11 kg.
Cães Adultos Pequenos Pedaços
Apoia o sistema imunológico saudável, a digestão, os músculos e a pelagem.
Digestão Perfeita Pequenos e Mini para Cães Adultos
A ração super premium seca para cães Hill's Science Diet Perfect Digestion Small & Mini é um alimento completo indicado para o bem-estar digestivo e para o microbioma saudável de cães adultos de raças pequenas e mini, entre 1 a 6 anos de idade, até 11 kg.
Artigos relacionados
Suprimentos para Cães que Você Precisa ao Receber Seu Primeiro Cãozinho
Oferecer chás de cãozinho ainda não pegou, por isso os novos tutores precisam de sua própria lista de suprimentos de filhotes para garantir que seu novo melhor amigo tenha o que ele precisa para crescer saudável.
Caring For a Dog with Sensitive Skin
Dogs with sensitive skin have special needs and even healthy dogs can sometimes develop poor skin health. Learn more about sensitive skin symptoms in your dog, what you can do to help your pet feel more comfortable and get recommendations on sensitive skin dog food.
Overweight Dogs: A Recent Epidemic
Learn more about the problem of dog obesity and more importantly, what you can do to help your dog avoid becoming overweight.
Seu Cão com Excesso de Peso: Quando Maior Não é Melhor
Você sabia que um percentual de apenas 20% de excesso de peso eleva a predisposição dos cães a vários problemas graves de saúde? O ganho de peso indica aumento da massa adiposa corporal e geralmente é o resultado do consumo excessivo de alimento associado a níveis insuficientes de exercício.
Coloque seu cachorro em dieta sem que ele saiba
Nossa fórmula de baixa caloria ajuda você a controlar o peso do seu cão. Ela é rica em proteínas de alta qualidade para a construção de massa muscular e elaborada com ingredientes específicos para uma refeição saborosa e nutritiva. Antioxidantes clinicamente comprovados, como vitamina C e E, ajudam a promover um sistema imunológico saudável.
Coloque seu cachorro em dieta sem que ele saiba
Nossa fórmula de baixa caloria ajuda você a controlar o peso do seu cão. Ela é rica em proteínas de alta qualidade para a construção de massa muscular e elaborada com ingredientes específicos para uma refeição saborosa e nutritiva. Antioxidantes clinicamente comprovados, como vitamina C e E, ajudam a promover um sistema imunológico saudável.