What To Do When Your Pet Has Ticks

Dog and cat sitting beside each other outside under a tree.

What To Do When Your Pet Has Ticks

By / April 26, 2024

From energetic puppies to cuddly kittens, pet owners see their furry companions as an extension of their family. Just like other family members, owners will be protective in keeping their pets safe and away from any potential threats. However, this can be difficult if you’re experiencing issues with ticks in your home.

Thankfully, there are ways you can not only remove ticks from your pet and your home, but also prevent any future or potential issues from popping up. Allow our Dewey Pest and Termite Control team to offer you some essential information on identifying and addressing tick infestations for your furry friends.

Why Worry About Tick Infestations for Your Pet?

While ticks can be the source of itchiness and general unhappiness, their actual threat lies deeper under the surface than that. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, tick bites can lead to many issues, such as allergic reactions, permanent hair loss, other skin problems, and more.

Tick-Borne Diseases in Pets

Among the many threats that ticks pose to your pet, they can also transmit a wide range of diseases through their bites. Among the many tick-borne diseases that your furry friend could be vulnerable to include:

  • Lyme disease
  • Ehrlichiosis
  • Anaplasmosis
  • Rocky Mountain spotted fever
  • Babesiosis
  • Bartonellosis
  • Hepatozoonosis

It’s best to be on alert for any signs of ticks. This includes frequently bathing and inspecting your pet’s fur and skin.

Tick being removed from pet’s skin with tweezers.

Where Would I Find Ticks on My Pet?

Generally drawn to heat and moisture, ticks tend to prefer areas where these elements are not only present but common. According to the CDC, common pet body parts that they are commonly found on include:

  • In and around ears
  • Around the tail
  • Under the collar
  • Between the back legs
  • Between toes
  • Under the front legs
  • Around the eyelids

Tick Removal for Pets

If you notice your furry friend itching and scratching in isolated spots more frequently, it’s in your best interest to prepare for tick removal.

For proper tick removal, you will need a clean set of tweezers, gloves, disinfectant or antiseptic cream, and rubbing alcohol. If you don’t plan to use rubbing alcohol, use a sealable bag or container as a substitute.

1. Scan and Inspect Pet for Ticks

Frequent inspections and scans of your pets can help detect a tick as soon as possible. To do so, run your fingers slowly across your pet’s body. If you notice any bumpy or swollen areas, especially around common infestation areas, check to see if any ticks are burrowed in that spot. Ticks have eight legs and often appear dark-colored—black, tan, and brown. Do not wait to take action if you spot one on your pet.

2. Safely Remove Tick From Pet

To safely remove a tick from your pet, you’ll first need to use your tweezers to grab onto the tick as close to the skin as possible. Once you have a firm grip, pull upward with steady pressure. Make sure that you do not twist or jerk as you pull to avoid the mouth parts from breaking off.

Father and daughter petting their dog in their yard.

3. Clean Up and After-Care

Once the tick is removed from your pet’s skin, thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with disinfectant cream or soap and water. Do not crush the pest with your fingers. Instead, place it in rubbing alcohol, a sealed bag, or a container. As a last alternative, you can flush it down the toilet.

Pet Tick Prevention

The best way to avoid a problem is to prevent it from happening in the first place. In addition to thorough and frequent inspections, especially after spending time outdoors, ensure you keep your yard clean and prevent grass from growing tall. It’s also a good idea to speak with your veterinarian to learn more about tick-borne diseases in your area and suitable measures to fight against them.

How Pest Control Can Help Your Pet

Even with good home practices, professional pest control is the most effective way to protect your pet from ticks and other unwanted visitors. The best pest control teams utilize pet-friendly treatments that will not only maximize pest removal results but also prevent any issues that could arise in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do ticks live?

Ticks can live anywhere from a few weeks to several years, depending on the species and environmental conditions. Most ticks have a lifespan of 2-3 years, though some may survive longer if they remain in a host's environment.

How do people look for pest and ticks on dogs ?

Carefully examine a dog's skin and coat. Look around the ears, neck, and underarms, where ticks often hide. Gently part the fur and feel for any bumps or abnormalities, and use tweezers to grasp the tick's head to avoid leaving parts behind.

Can a tick live in water ?

Ticks generally cannot live in water for extended periods, as they require dry, sheltered environments to survive. Ticks need access to a host for feeding and are more likely to die in wet or submerged areas.

Protect Your Pet With Dewey Pest and Termite Control’s Premier Services

For the best pest control services to eliminate your pest problems, come to Dewey Pest and Termite Control. Serving communities across California for over 90 years, our top-tier technicians will thoroughly inspect your home and apply treatments to eliminate and prevent any pesky invaders.

Don’t hesitate to contact us and request our tick control services today!

 

 

 

 

 

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