It is difficult to eliminate mites when they are already attached to an animal’s body because these insects, which attach to the body to feed on the animal’s blood, are difficult to eliminate safely. In this article, we will tell you how to protect your pet from these dangerous parasites, symptoms and diseases that ticks carry.
Ticks pose a danger to animals all year round, especially in spring and summer. The reason for this is that the heat awakens these canine pests from hibernation and prepares them to attack their furry counterparts. The problem is that these insects are very harmful if they remain attached to the animal for too long, as they can cause serious illnesses in the animal. But not only. Pulling mites out of a pet’s body the wrong way is common because they insert most of the jaw into the body, which also carries a very serious risk.
How to protect your dog from a tick bite
1. Drugs against dog ticks.
Tick drops are an effective method of combating these canine parasites. Drops should be purchased from a veterinarian or specialist pet store to ensure that the correct product is purchased. And it is very important to check with your veterinarian before applying it, as it varies depending on whether it is a dog or a cat. Cats should not be given medication intended for dogs because it is toxic to them! Tick drops usually work for a month.
The drops are applied to the skin on the back of the head and neck with the intention that they are absorbed into the skin and that our pet cannot lick them off, as this can lead to poisoning.
Tick tablets. Medicines against ticks for dogs (and cats) have evolved a lot in recent years. One of the latest results in the fight against dog ticks is the use of oral medications. These tablets are effective against fleas and ticks. However, it is very important to check with your vet to find out which product is right for your dog and at what dosage.
The tablets are administered orally depending on the size of the animal and have an effect on the body that can last from 1 to 3 months. Another plus? If you have young children, these drugs reduce the risk of exposure after use.
Tick collars for dogs. Anti-tick collars for dogs are effective and practical because they consist of a plastic holder containing an insecticide. This system has been a classic in pest control for over 20 years.
Its big advantage? Lasting effect of repelling ticks. The downsides are that some dogs are allergic to these types of collars, and they can also be toxic to puppies, who may bite the collar and ingest bits while playing.
Dog tick sprays. Anti-tick sprays for dogs have an immediate effect, so they are useful if you are walking in the woods or any other place where ticks are likely to be present. It should be noted that the protective effect of the spray is not as long as that of drops, tablets and collars.
They are applied to the animal’s skin every two weeks and can be used between baths and drops to boost protection. Special precautions should be taken to ensure that the spray does not come into contact with the eyes or mucous membranes. It is best to do this outdoors and away from other animals. Also, if the dog gets into the water and the coat gets wet, the protective effect of the spray will wear off and it will need to be reapplied.
Tick baths for dogs. There are special shampoos on the market, as well as lotions to combat parasites, which help prevent their appearance and even kill if the tick has already managed to stick to the animal. However, as always, you should consult your veterinarian beforehand and repeat baths with these shampoos every two weeks.
Before the walk.
image source: 123rf.com
2. Check your dog after every walk.
After each exit to the street, it is necessary to carefully examine the dog. This tick and flea control must be reinforced in the paws (between the toes), in the ears, on the top of the paws, as well as on the neck and on the skin under the coat. Cause? Ticks and fleas are all the more dangerous when they come into contact with the animal.
What to do if you find a tick or flea? This parasite must be eliminated immediately to reduce the risk of it transmitting any disease to the dog, the risk of which increases over time.
3. Protect your home from ticks.
Keeping your home, garden, patio and green spaces free of ticks and fleas reduces the chances of these pests attacking your furry friend.
4. The dog is better at home.
If it is possible to avoid going to the forest with a pet, where a tick can bite it, it is better to use it.
Symptoms your dog has ticks
He scratches all the time in one place Spots (blood) on the skin.
What are the diseases caused by fleas and ticks?
If an ectoparasite stays on an animal’s skin for a long time, it can infect it with one (or more) of the diseases listed below.
Anaplasmosis. This disease can be accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, inflammation and paralysis of the joints.
Babesiosis. Causes progressive anemia in animals, also exhibits anaplasmosis-like symptoms and causes yellowing of the skin.
Lyme disease. It is characterized by an increase in body temperature and inflammation of the joints. Your dog will not want to eat and you will notice that he is weak.
Hepatozoonosis. A pathology in which symptoms such as: constant temperature, diarrhea, body pain, anemia and motor problems are observed.
See also: Why cats and dogs eat grass then vomit.
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