Four Precautions All Dog Owners Should Take In Tick-Prone Areas

7 May 2017
 Categories: , Blog


If you live in an area where ticks are common, then your dog is at risk for a whole array of tick-borne illnesses, from Lyme disease to ehrlichiosis. Though these diseases are typically treatable with antibiotics, they do cause quite a bit of suffering, so it's much better to protect your dog against them. Here are four precautions you can take to protect your dog when living in a tick-prone area.

Keep your yard well maintained.

Ticks love to hide in long grass and bushes. If you let your yard becomes overgrown, your dog will be more likely to get bit by a tick when running around or going to the bathroom. So, take measures to maintain your landscaping. Keep your grass cut short and have your bushes trimmed back regularly. If you have wood piles on your property, fence them off so your dog cannot access them. Ticks also love to hide in wood piles.

Keep your dog's coat cut short.

If you have a dog with longer hair, such as a poodle or King Charles spaniel, take them to the groomer regularly and have their coat cut as short as you comfortably can. This won't make tick bites less likely, but it will make it much easier for you to look over your dog for ticks after he has spent time outdoors. If you do find a tick, grasp it at its base with tweezers, and pull straight back. Do not twist or pull to the side, as this may cause its mouth-parts to break off in the dog's skin.

Get your dog vaccinated for Lyme disease.

Lyme disease is not the only tick-borne illness, but it is one of the most common. Because it can be so serious and is so common, there is a vaccine for dogs. The vaccine is not 100% effective, but it will greatly reduce your dog's chances of contracting the infection. Have your vet administer it to your dog during his next visit; he'll need booster shots each year to keep up his immunity.

Keep your dog out of the woods.

Taking dour dog for a walk in the woods may be fun, but it's also risky because this is where ticks are most likely to hide out. Try to minimize walks in the woods. If you do take them, keep your dog on the path instead of letting him wander off into the trees.

For further information, you will want to contact a company such as Loving Care Animal Hospital.


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