How to Prevent Ticks in Aurora and Newmarket

Spring has finally sprung! We are all trying to beat the covid blues, and one great way of doing that is by getting outside with our pups in Aurora and Newmarket. 

If you bring your dogs to dog parks, chances are you may run into some ticks! Ticks are in our area, and you must check your pet regularly. If you find them, you must remove them properly to prevent further issues.

This blog will serve as a guide on how to identify ticks, what to do if you see them, and how to prevent ticks in Aurora and Newmarket!

What are ticks? 

Ticks are tiny arachnids and are closely related to spiders. They can carry viruses and bacteria that are easily transferable to your pet. One of the more commonly known diseases that ticks carry is Lyme disease

Infected ticks can transmit diseases to humans and animals when they attach to us by inserting their mouthparts into the skin. Ticks also stick to the skin due to their saliva having a glue-like consistency. After binding to your dog, ticks begin feeding on your dog‘s blood. The places where ticks attach can become red and irritated. 

How to check your dog for ticks

Starting at the muzzle, run your hands systematically over your pet‘s body, working your way from muzzle to tail. Be sure to check in the ears and between the pads. Then have your pet roll over and check their stomach carefully.

If you feel a bump, separate the hair so that you can get a closer look. Make sure it is (or isn’t) a tick bite.

You will know it is a tick by the colour (they are grey or tan). You may be able to see where the head is buried in your pet‘s body. If it has been feeding on your pet for a while, it is definitely well fed. It will be fat and balloon-like. If you can’t see where the head is attached. If you are ever in doubt, please go to your vet.

How to Prevent Ticks in Aurora and Newmarket

How to remove a tick

So, you have found a tick on your dog. Now what?

You will need a pair of pointed tweezers and not flat-ended ones. There are tools available at your local pet supply store that you can use to remove ticks safely. It is a good idea to keep cotton swabs, rubbing alcohol, soap, water and either an empty jar with a tight lid or a Ziploc bag close by during the tick removal process.

Step 1 – Clean the tweezers or tick removal tool with the rubbing alcohol.

Step 2 – Try not to touch the body of the tick. Get the tweezers under the ticks head and as far up the tweezers as possible to get leverage. You will probably want to put pressure on your pet‘s skin, so it does not tent up. Close the tweezers tight and pull straight up and away from your dog.

Before you go “EWWWWWWWWW!” and fling this disgusting little thing across the room, remember it is still ALIVE. It can attach again to any member of your family-two or four-legged. Place it in a jar or Ziploc bag and SEAL IT TIGHTLY. Put the tick in the fridge until you can get it to your vet for testing.

Step 3 – Clean the area on your pet where the tick was removed. Rubbing alcohol will work, but it will also sting. You are probably not your pet‘s best friend right now anyway, so some gentle soap and water will do the trick.

Step 4 – Keep an eye on your pet, especially the area around where the tick used to live. Watch for infection, localized redness and swelling. A little is normal; after all, you just pulled another living creature from your pet. Also, keep an eye on their general appetite and behaviour. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, please contact your vet.

How to prevent ticks in Newmarket and Aurora

Since ticks are prevalent in our area, now is an excellent time to speak to your veterinarian about tick control products. They can prescribe medications that will deter ticks from attaching to your pet. You may even be able to get a treatment that will kill any ticks that manage to attach themselves to your dog

If you want to prevent ticks from accumulating around your home, it’s best to keep your yard tidy, so you don’t create habitats for them to live in. You can create a barrier of wood chips or gravel between your lawn and wooded areas to prevent unwanted tick visitors. If you have piles of wood on your property, stack them neatly away from your home. Mow your lawn consistently as well. Ticks wait on tall grass for your pet to pass by so they can latch onto them. 

We hope that this blog gave you some additional guidance on how to prevent ticks in Aurora and Newmarket. If your dog does suffer from a tick bite, do not panic! You can definitely help them out, and solve the problem right from home.

Want us to take your dog for a stroll around your neighbourhood? Visit our services page today to see how our dog walking services can help you!

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