Ticks are ectoparasite, which means they live outside their bodies. Apparently, they are arachnids (like spiders!) and feed on other animals' blood alone, both mammalian and reptile. Although they are more common in warm, humid climates, they live almost everywhere in the world, and there are nearly 1,000 species.

You've definitely been around ticks if you've ever been in the woods, walked through tall grass, or played in the sun in a park. Not only are ticks stealing blood, but they are also carrying diseases. Most precisely, they bear disease-causing bacteria that can contribute to a litany of terrible health problems such as Lyme disease, typhus, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Q fever, and more than a dozen other diseases. Sadly, almost all tick-borne diseases can affect your pets as quickly as humans can.


Could I catch a tick's disease?

Humans and pets can catch Lyme disease from ticks. Lyme disease is dangerous, so if you're walking your dog in deer or sheep areas, make sure that you're taking precautions to avoid tick's bite. Lyme disease symptoms include a circular rash, muscle and joint pain, and tiredness. Left untreated, disorders such as viral meningitis, facial palsy, arthritis, and nerve damage may evolve into the disease. If caught early, Lyme disease may be treated with antibiotics. Don't forget to tell your doctor that a tick bit you. Be careful abroad as ticks can spread several dangerous diseases in Europe.


What are the hiding spots for ticks?

Looking for ticks is not as straightforward as running a hand down the back and legs of your dog. Ticks hold tightly on the skin, so to find them, you have to dig deep inside the pet's fur. They're often so small you're not even going to feel them. These can be confused with a skin tag, wart or scab as well. (That's why it's so vital to pet, bathe and groom your dog so you'll get acquainted with your dog and know what's "usual" and what isn't.) Long-haired dogs, dark-coated dogs, and undercoat dogs pose the most significant challenge since ticks are hard to feel and see. Just like in nature, your dog also has ticks and moist, dark areas. These are a few common places where ticks like hiding:
In and around the ears: your dog's delicate folds and thin skin ears make it easy for ticks to hide for another spot. Ticks can be hard to find there and sometimes hard to pick.

Surprisingly, ticks sometimes grab onto the thin skin around the eye and eyelid of your pet. This is because the dog's snout always sniffs the dirt. Although easier to find, it may be precarious to remove ticks around the eye.
Under collar or harness: Since ticks hide under your pet's collar or harness like moist, dark places. Don't forget to have a look at that spot.
Under the front legs: ticks are usually found in the "armpits" of your pet, where it's dark and warm. In this area, the skin is also fragile, making it easy for them to pierce through.

Within groin region: Ticks usually catch on the inside of the back legs of your pet in the flank region, often hidden from view and thin-skinned.
Between the feet: because it's low to the ground, another popular hiding place for ticks is between the toes of your dog. In this area, they can be hard to detect, so be sure to inspect carefully between the toes and webbing. For reasons such as this, it is vital for your pet to feel comfortable rubbing their paws. It should start when your dog is a puppy.


How can I remove a tick from my pet?

These pests carry diseases, so it's essential to remove as soon as possible anyone that sticks to your pet. Rapid elimination decreases disease risk. It can be tricky, as you need to be careful not to grab the body of the tick or allow the head to lodge in your pet's body. Pinching the body of a tick will cause blood to return to your dog and increase the risk of infection. The best way to remove them is to pull them off your dog, and pet shops sell convenient tick removal devices to make it easier. Ask for advice from your vet before using any tick products. Also, it is essential to call a pest control company near you to eliminate ticks that are already in your home or kennel.


How can I avoid ticks for my pets?

Keeping your tick prevention regime diligent is essential! There are several forms of prevention available, including oral medicines, topical procedures, and collars. Your doctor will instruct you on the most effective method for your pet. The region, lifestyle, and individual dog have a role to play. Sometimes a strategy that works for one pet will not work for another, so you may need to use trial and error to decide your pet's best method.

Nice write up.

Thank you tomkay8

tomkay8:
Nice write up.