As we enjoy the height of summer, spending more time outdoors with our pets, whether hiking or camping, it's crucial to take steps to prevent parasites from affecting our furry friends. Today, we are focusing on one specific type of ectoparasite: ticks! Protecting your pets from ticks is essential for their health and to prevent diseases such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Even the early life stages of ticks, which can be as tiny as a poppy seed, can transmit these diseases. Therefore, vigilance is key. Here are some effective methods to prevent ticks:
Use Tick Preventatives:
Topical Treatments:
Products applied to your pet's skin, particularly between the shoulder blades or as sprays, can repel and kill ticks.
Oral Medications:
Monthly chewables like Simparica Trio or Nexgard Combo and three-month chewables like Bravecto can prevent ticks from attaching to your pet or kill them after attachment.
Tick Collars:
Specialized collars, such as Seresto collars, release chemicals that repel ticks. These can be very effective when used according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Regular Tick Checks:
After your pet has been outdoors, especially in grassy or wooded areas where ticks are common, thoroughly check their fur. Pay special attention to areas like the ears, between the toes, and around the neck and head.
Maintain Your Yard:
Keep your lawn mowed and remove leaf litter and tall grass where ticks like to hide. Consider creating a tick-safe zone by placing a 3-foot wide barrier of wood chips or gravel between your lawn and wooded areas to restrict tick migration into recreational spaces.
Pet Grooming:
Regular grooming helps you spot ticks early. Brushing your pet’s fur can help remove loose ticks before they attach.
Tick Control in Your Home:
Regularly vacuum carpets and areas where your pet rests indoors to reduce the number of ticks inside your home.
Consult Your Veterinarian:
Your vet can recommend the best tick prevention products based on your pet’s health, lifestyle, and local tick exposure.
Educate Yourself:
Learn about the types of ticks in your area and the diseases they carry. Being informed helps you recognize potential symptoms in your pet early on.
By combining these methods, you can significantly reduce the risk of ticks on your pets and safeguard their health. If you find a tick on your pet, promptly remove it using tweezers or a tick removal tool by grasping it close to the skin and pulling straight out. Don't hesitate to call our office if you have any questions about preventing ticks from getting on and biting your pets. We also offer the Lyme vaccine, which provides additional protection against Lyme disease for your dog.
Animal Hospital of New Albany
3033 Reynoldsburg-New Albany Road
​​​​​​​New Albany, OH 43054
Phone: (614) 855-9643
