(Photo via The Humane Society of The United States)
Ticks are a common pest that can be found on dogs, especially in warm countries like Malaysia. While they may be tiny, these creepy crawlies can cause extreme discomfort for your doggo and may threaten their health. But don't worry — there are solutions to get rid these pests off your precious furkid!
How to properly remove ticks
Firstly, it is important to remove the ticks from your dog's skin as soon as possible. This can be done with a pair of tweezers or a tick removal tool, which can be found at local pet stores. Remember to wear gloves as the ticks found on your dog are very effective disease carriers which may infect you and your family!
To avoid ripping the tick and spreading possible infections into the bite area, spread your doggo’s fur and hold the tick as closely to the skin. Then, gently pull upwards in a slow and steady motion. Avoid twisting the tick as this can cause the tick’s mouth to break off and get stuck in the skin, which might lead to discomfort and nasty skin infections. 🤢
(Tip: If you are unsure on how to remove ticks from your doggo, visit a nearby vet! They will be happy to show you how to properly get rid of these blood-sucking pests! 🤩)
After removing the tick, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly, clean the wounds and properly rinse the tweezers with disinfectant. If your dog experiences any further discomfort even after the tick is removed, it is advised to seek medical attention to avoid any potential inflammations or diseases just in case!
Taking extra precautions!
While it might be tempting to pamper your dog once you have removed the ticks, it is vital to check for tick fever symptoms as they can be potentially fatal if not detected early. 😥 If your doggo has contracted tick fever, you may notice one or more of the following symptoms:
-Fever up to 40.5°C
-Decreased appetite
-Swollen lymph nodes
-Joint inflammation
-Vomiting and diarrhea
-Swelling of the face or limbs
-Coughing
-Breathing difficulties
-Abdominal pain
If your pooch is suffering from one of these symptoms, it is possible that they have contracted a tick-borne disease. Bring your doggo to the vet immediately to get appropriate treatment to prevent them from developing complications that can be serious and even be fatal.
Ways to prevent ticks
To avoid future tick infestations, you can use parasitic preventives like Nexgard, Frontline and Advocate that help protect your doggo not only from ticks but fleas, mites, heartworm disease and intestinal worms too!
You can also check your dog for ticks after walks — especially after an outing in long grass and wooded areas. Run your hands across your dog’s body to feel for the ‘small bump’ of an attached tick and pay special attention to your dog’s head, ears and between the toes, armpits and groin as ticks often attach to these areas. 🦮
Finally, don't forget to keep your home and yard clean and tidy to prevent ticks from taking up residence in your living space. Regular vacuuming, mowing the lawn and trimming back bushes can all help keep ticks at bay.
Dealing with ticks may not be the most fun activity, but there are plenty of ways to make it a little more comfy for both you and your dog. 🎉 From veterinary visits to constant hygiene precautions, these tricks can help keep your furry friend tick-free and happy all year long! ❤️
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Thanks for reading this far! We hope that this list was helpful to all pawrents looking to keep their puppers tick-free~ You can save this article for future reference and share it with fellow doggo owners~
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