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Ticks can be a plague to man’s best friends. It takes vigilance to keep your dog free of ticks, but it is well worth the effort since ticks can carry diseases that can kill your dog.
You should check your dog at least once a day. The number of daily tick checks can vary based on geographics. A dog that lives in a big city apartment is a lot less apt to be bothered by ticks than one that runs free on a farm or in the woodlands. Thus, it is a good idea to perform a tick check each and every time you return from a walk or a romp in the woods.
Start the tick check at the head and move towards the dog’s tail. Use your fingers to run through the dog’s hair. It is important that your fingers reach down to the skin so that you can feel any small bumps that occur. Rub slowly so that you are less apt to miss small ticks that have not yet begun to get bigger from sucking blood.
Be sure to part the dog’s fur so that you can see the skin. This is especially important with dogs that have longer hair.
Don’t forget to check between the dog’s toes for ticks. Spread the toes so that you have a good view of the areas between each toe. Some dogs have been known to chew their feet until they bleed in an effort to rid themselves of a tick.
Pay very close attention to the head area. Ticks can easily get on the dog as he or she lowers their head to the ground to sniff out scents. Follow up with a close inspection of the neck area. Be sure to feel underneath the collar because this is a common hiding place for ticks.
It is also very important to inspect the areas between the dog’s legs. Have the dog lie on his or her back so that you can check the chest area thoroughly. Ticks love to hide in this area.
The bloodsuckers love to burrow into dogs’ ears. Take time to look at the inside of the ears. Examine the ears by allowing your fingers to gently probe inside and out.
No matter how closely you look, you will sometimes miss a tick or two. That is why it is important to keep a watchful eye on your dog. If your dog suddenly begins to scratch at its ears, it could be a sign that there is a tick there.
Regular brushing and/or combing can be helpful in finding the unwanted ticks.
When bathing your dog, play close attention. Ticks are often easier to see when a dog’s fur is wet.
If you live in an area where ticks are prevalent, consider using some kind of prevention. There are chemical and organic products available to help prevent ticks from infesting your dog. A little prevention can go a long way in keeping your dog free of unwanted insects.
