July 6th

By Mutt Mulligan

3 TurfMutt tips for tick prevention

Summer means you and your furry friend may be spending more time together in the great outdoors. In many regions of the country, it also means increased risk for tick bites for you and your pup.

Ticks are most commonly found in grassy or wooded areas, and they can carry diseases like Lyme and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Here are 3 TurfMutt-approved tips to help keep your dog tick-free this summer.

Check for ticks regularly. Ticks like to hide, so you’ll need to do a little detective work to ensure one hasn’t made its new home on your pet. In addition to scanning the entire body, look inside the ears, under the collar and between the toes, especially. You’ll need to do this daily if your pet spends a lot of time outdoors.

Recognize tick symptoms. If your dog gets bit by a tick, there are some tell-tale signs to look for, including fever, swelling of the joints, and a loss of appetite. If your pet has any of these, go to the vet immediately.

Immediately remove ticks. Ticks can transmit diseases within 24 hours of biting, so if you do find a tick on your dog, it’s important to remove it immediately. Using tweezers with a pointed tip, grab the tick as close to the dog’s skin as possible without pinching. Use steady pressure, pull (but don’t twist) the tick away from the skin. Afterward, check to ensure the head and mouth were removed – if not, you’ll need to take your dog to the vet. Clean the area with an antiseptic spray or wipe, and keep an eye out for signs of infection, which require a trip to the vet.

Your vet might also recommend a tick prevention medication. Talk to them about the best treatment for your pet and climate.