Ah, the joy of summer! The warm weather invites us to step out with our furry friends and explore the beauty of the Arkansas nature. It’s the perfect time for hiking, picnicking, and creating lasting memories with our dogs. However, with all the adventures in tall grass and wooded areas, our canine companions are exposed to ticks and tick bites.
Dangers of Tick Bites in Arkansas
Tick bites on dogs aren’t just uncomfortable; they can also pose serious risks to your beloved pets. Ticks are carriers of various diseases, such as Lyme and Ehrlichia disease, which can be debilitating and pose significant health risks for your furry friends.
- Ehrlichia is a highly common tick-spread disease that sets in rapidly, sometimes within as few as 3 hours after the bite. It causes a drop in your dog’s platelet levels, leading to abnormal bleeding that’s hard to stop.
- Lyme Disease can cause painful inflammation in your dog’s joints and may even lead to neurological and cardiac issues, or kidney failure. Early symptoms include loss of appetite, fatigue, and fever.
Where to Check for Ticks on Your Dog
Common areas where ticks tend to bite your dog include:
- Between the legs
- Around the eyes, ears, and mouth
- Near the collar
- On the chest or belly
- In skin folds.
Keep in mind that ticks can start out extremely small, as tiny as poppy seeds.
How Do You Remove a Tick from Your Dog?
If you discover a tick on your dog, follow these simple steps to remove it:
- Use tweezers to grasp the tick’s head gently but firmly, as close to the skin as possible, and pull straight back.
- Be careful not to crush the tick’s head, as this may leave behind parts of the tick and lead to infections at the bite site.
- Once the tick is removed, keep it alive in a jar or container to take to a vet for disease testing.
- Clean the bite area with soap, water, and alcohol, and ensure your dog gets regular checkups.
- If you find it difficult to remove the tick, it’s best to take your dog to the vet for professional removal.
Tick Prevention is Key
Dealing with tick bites is no fun. It’s better to prevent them from happening, and there are a few easy ways you can reduce your dog’s risk of getting ticks. Start by talking to your veterinarian about tick medications to safeguard your furry friend. Moreover, you can take proactive measures to minimize the threat of tick bites on your property. Keeping your lawn short reduces the places where ticks can lie in wait for you and your pets to pass by. If you’re dealing an infestation of ticks anywhere on your property, professional tick extermination services will be your best line of defense.
Professional Pest Control for Ticks and Fleas
If you feel overwhelmed and need expert help in dealing with ticks, reach out to the professionals at Delta Pest Control. For over 45 years, we have been serving Arkansas residents, ensuring their pest control needs are met swiftly and to the highest standards. With our continued service, both you and your best friend can enjoy the outdoors worry-free. Schedule your free pest inspection today and let us keep those ticks at bay!
