Ticks are spineless eight legged creatures that can attach to the skin of animals to feed on blood. However, when ticks feed on the blood of an infected animal, they become carriers of various diseases and they can also infect other animals. It is important to remember that aside from animals, ticks can also feed on human blood and transmit dangerous diseases which make it important to control tick infestations on animals and in your home. Dogs are one of the common victims of tick infestations and it is essential to treat your tick infested pet dog immediately because of the risks of allergic reactions and deadly health conditions.
How Your Dog Can Get Ticks
Ticks primarily live in tall grass, shrubs and wooded areas near streams, rivers and ponds. They can easily fall on passing animals that brush through the lush vegetation. So if your dog likes to go outdoors or mingle with other dogs, the risk of your pet coming back home already infested with ticks is high. Sadly, you will not be able to detect ticks immediately as they burrow their heads in their victim’s skin and appear to look like small bumps. These ticks will then feed on your dog’s blood for days until it’s full and falls off your pet, thus posing a threat of your home becoming infested with ticks.
tick (Photo credit: glemak)
The Dangers You Need To Be Aware Of
Bites inflicted by ticks are uncomfortable and terribly itchy. Upon biting your pet, a number of contagious and serious bacterial and viral diseases will infect your pet. You can determine if your dog has been bitten by signs of bleeding, fever, low platelet count and poor appetite. Ticks can also trigger anemia and hypersensitivity in your dog, while affecting the nervous system, lymphatic system and immune system.
Control Ticks From Infesting Your Home And Pet
If you want to prevent ticks from infesting your dog and your home, you will have to keep your dog indoors and allocate a special area for your pet instead. When your dog does leave your home without you noticing, be sure to check its fur when it comes back home. You can use tick collars and apply tick powder on your pets if you want your pet to go outdoors. But when you suspect that you have a tick infestation inside your home, do not hesitate to contact a pest control professional.
Treating Your Dog For Ticks
When all your efforts fail and your pet still manages to get a tick infestation, you will need to help your dog get relief from ticks and save it from transmitted diseases. You can remove the ticks one by one from your pet’s body using tweezers. Never crush or squeeze ticks when you remove them from your pet’s body in case harmful bacteria may spread. When you remove ticks, do not forget to wear gloves and wash your hands after. Clean every tick bite with antiseptic to prevent infections, but continue to monitor your dog in case it develops a fever, experiences limb stiffness, becomes lethargic and loses the appetite to eat. Once you notice something different in your pet, seek medical assistance at a veterinary clinic immediately.
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Valerie Williams is a freelance writer specializing in the health risks ticks can inflict on dogs. To learm more about pest control treatments for tick infested home click here.
