Ticks on dogs is a major concern among pet parents. This will be on rise with the rainy season. Unfortunately, every year several dogs fall victim to tick infestation. Do you know how many ticks pose a danger to a dog? Just one is enough to lay a deadly blow to your beloved pooch. Ticks are a carrier of a deadly virus that causes several canine deaths across the globe each year. This is a very serious matter and needs proper attention.
What’s in this post?
In this post, we will give a brief overview of how to deal with ticks. But there are several other things to consider like how ticks come into contact of your dog, how do they transfer from one dog to another, How they reproduce very fast, How they give tick fever to your dog. Additionally, how dangerous are these ticks to your children? Last year there were several cases of scrub typhus fever in children and adults. Many were critical and hospitalized. With the ongoing global pandemic of Chinese sponsored Coronavirus, you really don’t need any victim of this viral disease in your family. So, we will also address these in our upcoming posts but for now, let us concentrate on how to prevent ticks.
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Why ticks are dangerous?
First of all cleanliness of your surroundings is most important. Apparently, very high level of hygiene is not, in particular, a cure to the tick infestation but it helps. Ticks will hide into places that may or may not be seen in a jiffy. They tend to hide into minute wall cracks, tile spacing or any other very small space for that matter. In their early stage they are very small and being master in negating small spaces they are really difficult to spot.
What is more dangerous is their ability to attach in a fraction of second with the host is a real problem. And, mind it this host maybe your pet, you or in the worst case your children. They are bloodsuckers and will inflict a very nasty bite that is painful especially to children. Tick-borne diseases are very dangerous and can quickly lead to life-threatening condition if ignored.
Anaplasmosis, babesiosis, Bourbon virus, Colorado tick fever are a few to name from the list of tick-borne diseases. Some of then can quickly escalate to become life-threatening. So, it is best to avoid them and better to get rid of them form your premises.
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Where to look for ticks on dogs.
In most cases, a tick can be found on some primary sites on a dog’s body. These are
- Inside toes.
- Inside underarms.
- On chest especially between forelegs.
- Under hindquarters.
- On or inside of years.
- Under neck area.
- On the forehead.
- On top of the nose.
Although, a tick might be present anywhere on the body of the dog but above listed are most likely sites. It is always better to find a tick as soon as possible because if given liberty they will latch on your dog sucking blood for weeks. So, a quick but thorough examination after a walk is recommended every time you return home.
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What is available for prevention of ticks on dogs.
There are several products available in the market to prevent ticks to latch on to your dog. Let us examine these in brief one by one.
Anti tick shampoo
These are one of the most common products in the market. Several veterinary product manufactures make and market them. They contain some tick repellent chemicals and are very easy to use. Just give your dog a regular bath using this type of shampoo. But with this, there are some problems that may creep in later. For example to control properly you need to give bath to your dog regularly week after week. Depending upon the breed you own the skin will start to dry. This condition coupled with a long term use may lead to dandruff or flaky skin in your dog.
Anti tick talcum powder
This also another most widely used tick control product worldwide. This is even simpler to use than the shampoo. Just sprinkle it over your dog in the affected part of body and dust thoroughly. It will penetrate the topcoat and will settle on the skin. Chemicals in the powder will kill ticks already present and will further avoid more infestation. But, as in the case of shampoo there are some dangers. The talc does not stick to the skin so, there is possibility of dog licking it. Additionally, residue on the floor will be dangerous to toddlers in the house.
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A couple of more products.
There are some more products in the market that are thought to be safer and better than above-mentioned products.
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Tick collar
Ticks collar is a very common product. This is simply a collar that has some tick repellent chemical coated on the outer surface. This collar emits fumes up to a certain amount of time that keep ticks at bay. But as like other products, it also has some drawbacks. Your vet will not recommend it if you are having multiple pets. It might contain some harmful pesticides and fuming agents that may cause adverse health effects if ingested.
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Spot on fipronil 1% solution in pipit
this is the most advance tick control solution. This product comes in a small plastic pipit. The volume of this pipit depends upon the size of the breed. This solution is then directly applied on the skin of your dog. In a time period of 24 hours this solution spreads throughout the body of your pet via sebaceous glands of the skin. This product is the safest yet as it travels below the top layer of the skin. This is even recommended for pregnant and lactating females. Though it should be used only in extreme need.
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Conclusion : Ticks on dogs.
In this post, I have given an introduction to what dangers ticks pose for your dog and your family. We have also provided a list of products used as a remedy. There is much more to discuss and I will certainly bring several posts related to this topic. For now its a farewell from my side. Please subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on the latest happening in the world of pets. Goodbye.
