Hello, pet parents!
Dr. Yuri Yoon here from Valley Veterinary Services. As the weather warms up, tick season is upon us, and it’s crucial to be aware of the risks these tiny parasites pose to our furry friends. They can transmit serious disease to both pets and humans. At Valley Veterinary Services, we want to ensure that you have the knowledge and tools to protect your dog from ticks. Here’s what you need to know about ticks and how to prevent them.
What are Ticks?
Ticks are small, blood-sucking parasites that attach themselves to the skin of animals, including dogs. They are commonly found in grassy, wooded, and brushy areas. Ticks can transmit various diseases, such as Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis, through their bites.
The Tick's Life Cycle
Ticks have four distinct life stages:
- Egg
- Six-legged larva
- Eight-legged nymph
- Adult
Females deposit from 3,000 to 6,000 eggs on the ground. Adult ticks seek host animals to feed on, and after engorgement on blood, they quickly mate. Male hard ticks usually die after mating with one or more females, although some may live for several months. Females die soon after laying their eggs in protected habitats on the ground. The life cycle requires from as little as 2 months to more than 2 years, depending on the species. After the egg hatches, the tiny larva (sometimes called a seed tick) feeds on a host. The larva then develops (by shedding its skin, or “molting”) into the larger nymph. The nymph feeds on a host and then molts into an even larger adult. Male and female adults feed and mate on the host; the female falls to the ground to lay her eggs, continuing the life cycle.
What to Know About Ticks and Dogs
How Do I Know if My Dog Has Ticks?
When looking for ticks, you may feel or spot ticks on your dog’s body underneath their fur. When it first attaches, an adult tick will look like a tiny round bug. After feeding, it will swell up to look bloated and bluish-gray, and eventually detach. If that tick has already detached, you may notice a small bump or inflamed area at the site of the bite.
How Big Do Ticks Get on Dogs?
Initially, ticks are small and difficult to spot, but that changes after they’ve fed. Ticks attach and feed over a period of days to a couple of weeks. The amount a tick grows depends on the tick’s species and sex. As it becomes engorged, the size of a female tick can increase 100x her pre-feeding body weight.
Where Are Ticks Found on Dogs?
It’s important to thoroughly search your dog for ticks on a regular basis, especially after they’ve spent time outside. Ticks can be anywhere on the body, but they prefer warm, dark, and inconspicuous hiding places. When searching for ticks on your dog, pay special attention to between the toes, inside the ears, under the legs, and around the groin area.
When Are Ticks Most Active?
Different species of ticks are more active during different times of the year, but they can prey on hosts all year long. That’s why it’s crucial to keep your dog on monthly, year-round tick protection such as Bravecto, Nexgard, Simparica, or Advantix.
Prevention: The Best Defense
The best way to protect your dog from tick-borne illnesses is to prevent tick bites in the first place. Here are some effective strategies:
- Tick Preventatives: Use veterinarian-recommended tick preventatives. These can come in various forms such as topical treatments or oral medications. Here are some of the most effective options:
Bravecto: This preventative is available both as an oral chew and a topical treatment. It provides protection for up to 12 weeks and starts killing ticks and fleas within hours.
Nexgard: Monthly soft beef flavored oral chew medication that provides protection against ticks and fleas for 30 days.
Simparica: Another monthly oral chew that provides consistent protection against ticks and fleas. It starts working quickly and is well-tolerated by most dogs.
Advantix: A topical treatment applied to the skin that kills and repels ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes. It's effective for up to a month and also protects against biting flies and lice.
2. Regular Tick Checks: After walks or outdoor playtime, thoroughly check your dog for ticks, especially in warm, hidden areas like the ears, armpits, and between the toes.
3. Avoid Tick-Infested Areas: Try to avoid walking your dog in areas known to have high tick populations, such as tall grasses, wooded areas, and leaf piles.
4. Maintain Your Yard: Keep your yard tidy by mowing the lawn regularly, removing leaf litter, and creating a tick-free zone around your home with wood chips or gravel.
Proper Tick Removal
Despite your best efforts, your dog may still get a tick from time to time. Here's how to safely remove it:
- Use Fine-Tipped Tweezers/Tick Remover Tools: Use fine-tipped tweezers or tick remover tool. Always use disposable gloves to handle the tick.
- Grasp Close to the Skin: Grasp the tick as close to the skin surface as possible to reduce the chance of the tick’s head detaching from its body upon removal.
- Pull Steadily: Pull the tick straight out with steady, even pressure. Avoid twisting or jerking, as this can cause the mouth parts to break off and remain in the skin, increasing the risk of infection.
- Disinfect and Wash: After removing the tick, thoroughly disinfect the bite area and wash your hands with soap and water. Avoid home remedies like petroleum jelly or hot matches, as these can increase the risk of disease transmission.
- Preserve the Tick: After removing the tick, save it inside a clean, dry container and keep it in the fridge. The tick can be submitted to a laboratory for identification and PCR analysis to determine if it carries any diseases.
Why Prevention Matters
Ticks are more than a seasonal nuisance—they pose serious health risks to your pets. At Valley Veterinary Services, we are committed to helping you keep your furry friends safe and healthy. Regular check-ups and consultations can ensure your pet is on the best preventative program for their lifestyle.
Remember, early detection and prevention are key. If you find a tick on your dog or notice any unusual symptoms, don't hesitate to contact us for advice and treatment. Together, we can keep your pets happy, healthy, and tick-free.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit us at Valley Veterinary Services #2-45735 Thomas Road, Chilliwack, British Columbia V2R 3N3.
Call us today at 604-858-6560, email us at reception@valleyvetservices.com, or visit our website at www.valleyvetservices.com to book an appointment.
Don't forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates, tips, and adorable pet photos!
Your pet’s health is our top priority!
Stay safe and enjoy the outdoors!
Dr. Yuri Yoon
Valley Veterinary Services