Ticks

Ticks are a common parasite that feed on dogs. Tick species are found worldwide and may infest dogs in very large numbers, especially during certain times of the year. These blood-sucking parasites are often found in tall grass, where they will attach themselves to a passing animal. Ticks require physical contact to infest your pet, and harpoon-like "teeth" allow them to anchor firmly in place while sucking blood from their animal host.

Ticks also act as vectors of disease. Ticks can carry and spread the organisms that can cause Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, several types of ehrlichiosis, and other potentially deadly diseases. A single tick can carry several disease organisms at the same time.

Risk from biting ticks are increased if:

• You and your pet spend time camping, hiking, or hunting in wooded or undeveloped areas.
• You have seen a tick, or previously removed one from your dog.
• Your dog is exposed to wildlife that are frequent tick hosts (deer, rodents, raccoons, etc.).
• Your yard has dense shrubs, tall grass, or leaf litter which serve as common tick habitats.
• You take your dog to wooded areas or grassy meadows.
• Your pet is not on a tick control product.

When looking to prevent ticks from harming your pets, remember to follow these tips:

• Yard Work - You can remove tick habitats from your yard by keeping tall grass clipped, removing any mulch or leaf litter and trimming bushes.
• Avoid Tall Grass Or Brush - Keep your pet far away from these tick breeding grounds.
• Examine Your Pet - Examine your pet thoroughly every day for ticks. Although ticks prefer attaching to your pet's head, neck and paws, you should still try to examine as much of your pet's body as possible.

Some of our veterinary recommended products for you:

K9 Advantix: K9 Advantix is an insecticide which repels and kills Deer ticks, American dog ticks, Brown dog ticks, and Lone Star ticks before they can attach and possibly transmit the organisms that cause disease.

Apply every month on dogs above the shoulder blades.  Apply every three weeks if you swim or bathe your animal frequently or if you have a heavy infestation. Don’t bathe your animal for two days prior to, or after, applying. If you have a large dog apply half on the neck area and half on the hind quarters – above the tail. K9 Advantix is toxic to cats, and should never be applied to a cat.

Frontline Plus: Frontline Plus is an insecticide which kills ticks in all blood-feeding stages of their development. For cats apply behind the head every month.  Don’t bathe your animal for two days prior to, or after, applying. Frontline will also kill adult fleas, larvae and eggs.