Pets Information |
Dont Let Ticks Ruin Your Dogs Good Time!
Nobody likes ticks. In fact, when it comes to ticks I can't think of a single redeeming quality. While you may see the occasional ant farm or flea circus, the tick competes with the cockroach on the "likeability" scale! Here's what you need to know to defeat them and prevent them from spoiling you and your dog's Summer fun... What Makes a Tick "Tic"? Did you know that ticks aren't insects? They belong to the same family as spiders (arachnids). That may explain why we humans find them especially unappealing! The fact that it behaves like a tiny vampire makes the tick even more detestable. Technically, a tick is a blood sucking mite that can expand 20 to 100 times it's size as it feeds. (Gross). And ticks can spread Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted fever, making them potentially lethal. Ticks use their sharp mouth pieces to attach themselves to your dog's skin. Their favorite spots are the head, neck, ears, or feet. The scariest thing about them is the fact that ticks can go unnoticed. Tiny as they are, they can attach themselves to you or your dog without being seen or felt. And especially if your dog has a dark coat, ticks will often continue to go unnoticed until they're well engorged with blood. At that point, you still may not see them, but you'll certainly feel them by running your fingers or a fine toothed comb through your dog's coat. (I still remember finding one on our black poodle when I was a child. It looked like a small school bus, so I can only imagine how long it had been there! ) The Spring and Summer months are when ticks are most prevalent, but any time your dog has been in a heavily wooded area, she should be checked. Ticks like wooded, grassy, and damp areas best. Two types of ticks are most commonly found on dogs--the brown dog tick and the American dog tick. But deer ticks and western black-legged ticks will feed on dogs too. Of course, the tick was captured before having a chance to feed. The average tick begins it's adventures approximately the size of a sesame seed. After making a meal of your dog's (or your) blood, it may reach the size of a small grape! ( I swear, the one I saw looked like a school bus...) Aside from the risk of contracting Lyme disease or spotted fever from ticks, there's another concern: Too many ticks feeding on a single dog can cause severe anemia or a condition called tick paralysis. Does and Don'ts of Tick Removal A tick can be spotted fairly easily against a background of pink skin or a light colored coat. Check your dog all over, but especially around the head and neck, ears and paws. Against dark skin and coats, ticks virtually disappear, so you'll have to feel for them. Another option is to run a fine-toothed comb or flea comb through your dog's coat to loosen ticks that haven't "latched on" yet. Please pay special attention to the following:
How to Avoid and Prevent ticks Control and prevention of ticks is especially important in avoiding diseases associated with them. What areas should you avoid? Wooded areas, tall grass, low brush, and damp areas are all attractive to ticks. They also are found in greater numbers in areas such as the Northeastern United States. No place is completely safe, though, since a person or animal can "give ticks a ride" from one place to another by carrying them on their skin, clothing or coats. In parts of the country where the tick population is especially heavy and the risk of Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever especially great, your vet may suggest your dog be vaccinated against ticks. Weigh the pros and cons with your vet if that's what he or she recommends. There are plenty of products on the market designed to repel and/or kill ticks. (Never use tick products designed for dogs on a cat -- it could kill her). Personally, I like all natural products for controlling fleas and ticks. All conventional products designed to kill/repel fleas and ticks are poisons of one kind or another, and can pose some risk to your pet. Garlic tablets, herbal shampoos, and botanical oils are among your choices. There's also a spray to relieve hot spots and irritated skin. No more ticks! At last, you and your pet can stay healthy and tick-free.Your dog will sure be glad you took the time to read up on ticks! Remember, natural products help your pets fight parasites better by keeping them strong, healthy, and toxin-free! © 2004, Carolyn Schweitzer. Lifelong dog-lover, power-shopper, and former family dentist Carolyn Schweitzer is owner and editor of Great-Dog-Gift.com where she offers a wide range of choices for dog gift shoppers, plus shopping and gift-giving tips. (Also advice on dog care and feeding.) Visit the site to view the full illustrated artice and learn where to find natural tick control products (links contained in article). You can reach Carolyn by email at netbrainer@verizon.net.
MORE RESOURCES: Unable to open RSS Feed $XMLfilename with error HTTP ERROR: 404, exiting |
RELATED ARTICLES
Benny Comes Back! This has been one of the most rewarding adventures I have ever volunteered to do. First, let me tell you just a little bit about my two dogs, a short little Bio on each. Your Cat The Hunter Many cat owners believe that their good little kitty would not even dream of going hunting.After all, their cat is loved and well fed. A German Shepherd Puppy May Be Just What Your Family Needs! A German Shepherd puppy can become a very welcome member of your household. German Shepherd puppies bond with the family, and you will never have a truer friend. Why Crate Train My Dog? A few years ago, before I decided to stay home with my kids, I worked as a veterinarian technician in an animal hospital. While at that job I saw so many clients who would bring in their dog and be upset because they had eaten something in the house, other than food, and were now sick. Buy Dog Travel Supplies Online Dog Travel SuppliesThe shopping part along for dog travel supplies is amusing for sure. The trinkets, toys and accessories for pet product travel are a blast. Filtration Methods For The Discus Tank Good filtration is the prime priority in the discus tank. Basically, there are three types of filtration - mechanical, chemical and biological. Dog Rescue: Is it Right for You? Ever had a hankering for a certain breed of dog? Not an obsession, mind you - not the sort of longing that would send you rushing to a breeder, thousand-dollar-bill in your sweaty palm - but just a gentle appreciation for the virtues of the Poodle, Pug or Pyrenean Mastiff?Let's say you have -- but you thought buying a purebred pup was a less-than-ideal use of your family's resources. If that's the case, it might be time to look up your local Dog Rescue organization! Dog Rescues are organized by breed, so prospective parents can sign up to be notified when new poodles or pugs come in. "Sit Up" Buddy: Training Your Dog To Sit Like You The trick of "sitting up" is easily taught to small dogs, but should try not be included in a big dog's education, as it is difficult for them to preserve their balance.The training of sitting up is one of the first tricks to teach and forms the groundwork for many other dog tricks. Keeping Discus Fish Disease Free So you want to keep discus fish or are already keeping discus fish. One of things you must do is keep your discus fish healthy and disease free. Dog Hygiene Basics Giving your dog a bath is important, but not as critical as most people seem to believe. If your dog is healthy, he really doesn't need to be bathed more that once every few months, but most of us put them in the tub or under the hose more often to get rid of that doggie smell and look shinier. Animal Behavior: What is My Dog Saying? Dogs are quite amiable creatures. Much like our human counterparts, their speech is often amplified by their body movements and facial expressions. Top 20 Dog Quotations Get to know your beloved dog better with these insightful quotations all about your best four-legged friend.. Heartworm Treatment for Cats and Dogs The treatment for heartworms is different for cats and dogs. Do not ever give medicine intended for a cat to your dog or vice versa. Dog Breath-It Doesnt HAVE to Be SO Bad! While your friends and family are amazed that you'reraising such an amazing dog, you notice that they flinchwhen the dog gets too close. They may shrug away or notbend down to pet him as they once did. No More Stillborn Kittens - Know How To Care For A Pregnant Cat 'I named all kittens, although they were all stillborn.' 'My pregnant cat has a bloody vaginal discharge. How to Ensure that Your Cat is Healthy and Lives a Long and Happy Life Incredible advances in veterinary medicine are making it possible for cats to live longer, healthier lives than ever before. The quality of your cat's health is the result of a partnership between you and your veterinarian. How To Prevent Your Horse Going Lame From The Most Common Cause Of Lameness There are lots of ways a horse can go lame. Perhaps the most common cause of lameness is a result of Navicular Syndrome. Is Your Dog Fat? Obesity is one of the greatest health concerns facing dogs. You can and should do something about it. Dogs Get More Human Every Day First pet stores began selling clothes for pets. Then kennels upgraded from a wire cage to four-star hotels for man's best friend. West Highland White Terrier - Westie Grooming Westie Grooming - When your west highland white terrier becomes part of your family, it deserves the care love and support that is given to all members of your family.As part of the package, this would include the grooming of your Westie. |
home | site map | contact us |