Dogs & Tick Bites

Ticks are often found in grass, shrubs and trees.

Ticks are small members of the spider family that wait in grass, shrubs and trees, attaching themselves to passing humans or animals. Ticks are most prevalent during the spring, summer and fall, though they may be found year-round, particularly in areas with a warmer climate. Since dogs tend to play and rest in the areas ticks inhabit, dogs are frequently bitten by ticks.

Signs of a Tick Bite

After your dog has spent time in an area where you suspect ticks may be, such as walking through tall grass, bushes, and shrubs, you should inspect your dog's skin for any signs of ticks. If your dog is bitten by a tick, he may have a fever, lose his appetite, have pain (particularly in his legs or joints), or he may be lethargic. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.

Removal

The proper (and safest) way to remove a tick is to use tweezers to gently grab as close to your dog's skin as possible. Gently pull, trying not to squash the tick, which would release the tick's toxins into your dog's system. You may find that using a back-and-forth motion with the tweezers will help to release the tick from its hold. Removing ticks by cutting or burning is not recommended since this can cause the tick to release the toxins into your dog's system.

Residual Effects

When a tick bites your dog, the feeding process begins. This process may cause tick paralysis, a condition that is not understood but that can cause death if the tick is not removed in time. Ticks can also carry disease, and if a tick bites your dog, you'll need to watch him for symptoms. The most common disease ticks carry is Lyme disease.

Prevention

If you live in a location where there are a lot of ticks, or if you and your dog spend time hiking or in areas where ticks may be, you may want to consider tick bite prevention. You can find tick collars or topical applications that say they are for flea and tick control. Your veterinarian will be able to help you choose the product that will work best for your dog.

Warnings

After removing a tick, make sure the tick is dead before you throw it in the trash or on the ground. Some people recommend keeping the dead tick for period of time in case disease symptoms occur. In such a situation, a veterinarian can have the tick tested.

References

• Big Paws Only: Dog Ticks Health
• Puppy Training Solutions: Tick Bite Symptoms
• Dogs and Ticks: Protect Your Dog from Tick Diseases
• Illinois Department of Public Health: Common Ticks