Ticks are becoming more and more prevalent in North America, and they’re now being found in areas where people and pets did not previously encounter ticks. They are commonly found in wooded areas, parks, grassy fields and other habitats that are frequented by potential mammal hosts. An adult tick looks for its next blood meal by climbing up grasses and bushes to wait for an animal to pass by. Nymphs and larvae are typically found in layers of decomposing leaves underneath trees. Ticks thrive in damp environments and are usually less active in hot, dry weather.
Many species of ticks carry bacteria, viruses or other pathogens that can cause serious and sometimes deadly diseases in humans and/or animals including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, and tick paralysis. Contact us immediately if your pet starts coughing or has joint pain, trouble breathing, fever, weakness, or loss of appetite, weight, energy, or coordination.
Keep ticks off your pet by keeping your dog or cat on a monthly tick preventive during the warmer months. Even indoor-only pets are at risk because ticks can get inside from your clothing or shoes. Tick preventives are safe and effective at controlling ticks and the diseases they carry.
Some preventives work by killing ticks after they have come in contact with your pet. Ticks can hide under your pet’s fur, so we recommend checking your pet for ticks every time your pet comes in from outside. Using a brush, flea comb or your fingers, comb through your pet’s fur by applying enough pressure so any small bumps can be felt. Be sure to check between your dog’s toes, behind ears, under armpits and around the tail, head, and under their collar too.
Call us with any questions or concerns about ticks you might have.
