Ticks are very dangerous for your dogs and are difficult to get rid of completely. When left on the skin for too long, ticks can transmit deadly diseases, including:
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever. A serious infection that ticks transmit to dogs. This causes bruising, joint pain, fever, arthritis, and a decreased appetite.
- Ehrlichiosis. A chronic infection that can trigger weight loss, decreased appetite, bleeding, fever, and depression in your dog.
- Lyme disease. A serious disease transmitted by ticks that may provoke swollen and painful joints, fever, and a loss of appetite.
- Anemia. If too many parasites are feeding on your dog’s blood, your pup may develop anemia due to blood loss.
The first step in protecting your dog from tick-borne diseases is to protect them from the parasites themselves. Here are some tips that can keep your dog healthy and tick-free:
Check Your Dog for Ticks Every Day
If your dog likes to go outside frequently, check for ticks that may have latched onto his skin. Pay special attention if your dog has been exploring your yard, wooded areas, or places with abundant vegetation.
If you spot ticks on your dog, immediately remove them with tweezers that you carry in a small “tick kit” when outdoors. With clear tape, affix the tick to an index card or place it in a small plastic container. Write on a card the geographical location where the tick was discovered, and mark the day’s date and time on the card. A health unit may be able to test the tick for disease. Being able to identify if a black-legged tick bit your dog can help your vet recommend proper treatment and care.
Bathe Your Dog Regularly
Bathe your dog every other week. You might choose to use a medicated shampoo that is designed to get rid of pests that have found their way into your dog’s coat. You can also apply a tick-repelling topical treatment (like Frontline) on your dog once every month.
Keep Your Dog Away from Infected Animals
Ticks and fleas can jump from one host to another. Keep your dog away from any animal that may carry fleas or ticks to prevent cross-contamination. If you have handled an infected animal, make sure to wash thoroughly (and check for ticks) before making contact with your dog, children, or other family members.
Check Places Your Dog Frequents for Ticks
Check your home for ticks that may have fallen off of your pet. These pests may be difficult to detect. If you notice ticks in any part of your home, take your dog to the veterinarian and have an exterminator inspect your home.
Ticks do not only bite your pets; they bite humans as well. If your home is suffering from an insect infestation or plagued by other pests, contact a professional pest removal company immediately.
For pest control in North York and Toronto, including services like bed bug removal, call Pro-Pest Corporation at (416) 487-4179. We can remove insect and pest problems from your home safely and efficiently.
