These nasty little things have a particularly annoying habit of clinging, undetected, to our furry friends, and sadly, they can do a lot of damage, including…
Allergic reactions
Infections at the site of the bite
Anemia
Lymes disease, potentially leading to kidney failure and heart failure
Signs of Lyme disease:
Lameness
Lethargy
Fever
How can you help?
Every day, have a good feel all over your dog. They can be found anywhere, but typically are found in areas where it is warmer with less hair, such as the armpits, groin, paws, and ears.
Plus, check your dog immediately after any walk in long grassy areas, or in a wooded area, make sure to check too. Ticks can come from anywhere, but particularly like in grassy and bushy areas. They are also more likely to be in areas where there are lots of deer or livestock.
It’ll feel like a small hard lump and they can be anywhere on the body, but make sure to check armpits and the groin area, and then in between the pads.
If you find one…
If you find a tick: DO NOT REMOVE without a tick removal tool. If removed incorrectly, you could leave in the head.
Order yourself a tick removal tool now (they’re very cheap)
Learn how to use it correctly. Never squeeze the body or pull the tick. Instead, use a tick remover and scoop under the body, then twist in a clockwise direction until it comes loose.
If you find a tick before the tool arrives, your vet will be able to quickly and safely remove it.
Finally, DON’T KILL IT!
As gross as they are, put it in a container and stick it in the freezer.
Ticks carry ‘lyme’s disease’, which, although can be fatal, if caught earlier enough can be treated.
Keep the tick for a month so that if your dog begins to become unwell, the tick can be tested to see if it carries this disease.
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