Dogs really are a human’s best friend. They are always there, their loyalty never faltering. Dogs really are a part of the family. Unfortunately, they cannot tell you when something is wrong, so you need to be constantly on the lookout for anything out of the ordinary. Where to begin? You ask, well, by giving your buddy the best protection over the things that you have the power to control, like ticks!
Ticks are insects that feed on the blood of other living things. They are generally found in areas with tall grass or tall trees and can be quite dangerous to your four legged pal. When a tick bites a dog, it not only sucks your pet’s blood, but can also release a toxin that can be lethal to your pal, making them really sick.
Read on to find out our top 5 tips on protecting your dog against ticks!
1. Learn when tick season is, and what this means.
Depending on where you live, this may slightly differ, so get to know your area. Similarly, when seasons behave unpredictably, such as warm days during winter or cold days during summer, tick activity may change, so it’s important to educate yourself of tick behaviours.
2. Try to avoid areas with tall grass and/or those that are overly bushy.
These areas are a tick’s natural climate, however they can survive in most areas. Tick season in Australia is between the months of October-March, so be particularly careful during these times and stick to the path when walking your dog.
3. Check your dog daily.
Even if you have not been anywhere near long grass or bushes recently, make an effort to give your dog a quick check over each day, and a thorough examination once a week. You can do this by giving your dog a nice long scratch all over its body (which it will love!). Make sure to check in between your dog’s paws!
4. Know the symptoms.
If you notice your dog behaving in an odd manner, including limping, having difficulty breathing, foaming at the mouth or any other symptoms, you should immediately give their body a thorough examination for ticks. If you do find a tick, make sure you keep it in a jar. You should then take your dog, and the tick to your vet where they can identify the tick and the appropriate treatment for your furry friend.
5. Get the right tick prevention.
There are many different methods of tick prevention and choosing the right one will depend on you and your dog. Some tick preventions can be harmful to children or other pets. Others are more effective for a certain type of breed. Do your research and ask your vet for their recommendations, and make sure you stay up to date with your tick prevention.
You should always seek more information on how best to protect your furry pal from ticks and other harmful substances – your doggo would do it for you!