05/15/2025
๐พ ๐๐๐๐ฉ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐
๐ฎ๐ซ๐ซ๐ฒ ๐
๐ซ๐ข๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ข๐๐ค-๐
๐ซ๐๐! ๐พ
Spring is here, and that means more outdoor adventures with our beloved dogs! But with the fun comes the risk of ticks. These tiny pests can transmit diseases that can seriously harm your pup, and even potentially you.
๐๐ก๐ฒ ๐ข๐ฌ ๐ญ๐ข๐๐ค ๐ฉ๐ซ๐๐ฏ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐ฌ๐จ ๐ข๐ฆ๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐๐ง๐ญ?
Ticks can carry illnesses like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and anaplasmosis, which can cause long-term health issues for your dog.
How to check your dog for ticks after a walk: Make it a routine after every outdoor excursion!
Feel all over: Ticks love to hide in warm, protected areas. Run your hands through your dog's fur, paying close attention to:
Behind the ears
Around the neck and collar area
Between the toes
In the groin and armpit area
Along the tail
Around the eyes and mouth
Look closely: Part the fur to check for small, dark bumps that may be ticks. They can be as small as a poppy seed or as large as a pea if they've been feeding.
๐๐จ๐ฉ ๐๐ข๐๐ค ๐๐ข๐ฉ๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐๐จ๐ ๐๐ฐ๐ง๐๐ซ๐ฌ:
Talk to your vet: Prevention is always better (and usually cheaper!) than treatment. They can recommend the best tick prevention products for your dog based on your location and lifestyle (e.g., chewable tablets, topical treatments, collars).
Consider the season: Tick activity is highest in spring and summer, but depending on your region, they can be a threat even in milder winter months. Stay vigilant!
Keep your yard tidy: Mow your lawn regularly, clear leaf litter, and trim bushes and trees to reduce tick habitats in your yard.
Be extra cautious in wooded areas and tall grass: These are prime tick locations. Try to keep your dog on trails and away from dense vegetation.
If you find a tick: Remove it carefully with tweezers, grasping it as close to the skin as possible and pulling straight out with a steady motion. Disinfect the bite area afterward. Monitor your dog for any signs of illness and consult your vet if you have concerns.
Let's work together to keep our dogs happy, healthy, and tick-free so they can enjoy all the wonderful adventures this season brings!
