Our beloved pets are very susceptible to tick bites and the health of thousands of dogs across the United States are impacted each year due to a number of tick-related diseases. Left unnoticed and untreated, these bites can lead to very serious and painful symptoms for your beloved pet and even be fatal sometimes. Lyme disease, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, and rocky spotted fever are only some of the most common diseases that these blood-suckers carry.  

What Are Ticks? 

Ticks are the size of an almond, making them almost impossible to notice unless you are specifically checking your pet for them. Ticks will typically hide and indulge on your pets ears, neck, or belly. 

Signs of a tick infestation – Tick scab on dog

Tick infestations can be difficult to detect, as ticks are often small and can hide in hard-to-reach areas, such as a dog’s ears, between their toes, and under their fur.

One of the most noticeable signs of a tick infestation is the presence of tick scabs on a dog’s skin. These scabs can be a sign that a tick has recently fed on the dog’s blood and may still be present on the skin. In addition, it’s not uncommon to find dried dead ticks on dogs, as well as dead ticks on dogs that have fallen off after feeding. 

Tick scabs on dogs can be small and reddish-brown in color, and may be surrounded by a halo of redness. If you find dried dead ticks on your dog or notice dead ticks on your dog that have fallen off, it’s also a sign that your dog has been infested with ticks.

Do Ticks Lay Eggs on Dogs?

The answer is yes, ticks do lay eggs on dogs. In fact, it’s one of the ways that ticks reproduce and spread in the environment.

Female ticks typically lay their eggs on the ground or in a sheltered location, such as under leaf litter or in a crevice. However, some species of ticks can also lay eggs on their host, including dogs.

How to Remove Ticks Properly

If you find a tick on your dog, it’s important to remove it properly to reduce the risk of disease transmission. Use tweezers or a tick removal tool to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull it straight out with a steady motion. Avoid twisting or squeezing the tick, as this can cause the mouthparts to break off and remain in your dog’s skin. 

The first, most important step before removing a tick is remembering to never jerk the tick out by its body. Tick’s latch their sharp teeth into their prey, so removing the tick by its body will leave its microscopic mouth into the bite wound. This can lead to dangerous infections. 

Burning the tick with a lighter to encourage it to let go of its strong bite on your dog is a common myth. This is because when the tick feels any threat or danger, it will only latch onto its prey harder. Typically, if the tick senses danger, such as fire. It may “split” its guts into the bite making exposure to the disease even higher. 

Removing a tick on your dog should be like performing a small surgery – strategic and thought-out. The more gentle you are with the blood sucker. The more likely you are to safely remove the tick from your dog. The best way to achieve this on your own is by using fine tweezers and pulling gently, upward, in a slow and steady motion. 

A few useful tips for you:

Use tick prevention products, There are a range of tick prevention products available for dogs, including tick collars, topical treatments, and oral medications. These products work by repelling ticks or killing them before they can attach to your dog’s skin. Some products may need to be applied monthly, while others may offer longer-term protection. Talk to your veterinarian about which tick-prevention product is right for your dog.

Ticks do not like the smell of lemon, orange, cinnamon, lavender, peppermint, and rose geranium. Applying a dry shampoo with any of these or a combination can help prevent your dog from getting ticks.

Perform regular tick checks

Performing regular tick checks on your dog is an important part of tick prevention. Check your dog’s skin and fur for any signs of ticks. Paying close attention to their ears, between their toes, and under their armpits. Use a fine-toothed comb to help you find any hidden ticks, and remove them as soon as you find them.

Keep Your Dog Safe With FOUND ME

FOUND ME offers a broad range of interactive products. Like for example interactive Pet tags – all connected to the FOUND ME App. This is where you can set up customized reminders for your Pets’ vaccinations and booster shots.  Set vet appointments, update your emergency contacts in case he gets lost, and even store their medical files etc. 

All you need to do is download the app. Activate the pet tag by scanning the QR code and set up your pet’s owner profile… Your pet tag is now your pet’s direct landline to you!

Let me show what else it can do… Let’s imagine your dog gets lost during a trip to the beach… The good samaritan who will find them will simply need to scan the QR code inside his FOUND ME tag. And you will immediately be notified, along with the 5 emergency contacts you selected in the App. You will be able to start a secure in-app chat with them. Also a video chat to start the reunification process.

Thanks to the FOUND ME App. In case your furry friend decided to run away you could generate in a few clicks. Lost Pet Poster with QR code to be printed and hung. Everywhere you might think your pet can be seen and found.. By scanning the QR code the finder would be able to contact you without sharing any confidential info (Name, phone numbers etc) …isn’t it sweet?

If you want to know more about FOUND ME visit www.foundme.com

The post What To Do If You Find a Tick On Your Dog appeared first on FOUND ME.

The post What To Do If You Find a Tick On Your Dog appeared first on FOUND ME.

Originally Published on https://foundme.com/blog/

Maya Janin Blogger & Content Creator

As a freelance blog writer, I’m a passionate creative writer who has written over 40 unique blogs about lifestyle, travel, health and well being, pets, and what to do in cases of emergencies.

I focus on providing helpful advice and resources while educating readers in an interesting and organic way. I strive to make my blog space a safe space for readers to learn while offering focused, targeting, strategic materials as well as free tips and tricks.

I am fluent in both English and French. I spent 18 years in France and I love to tie my cultural experiences into my content. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Strategic Communications and Public Relations in 2021. I currently live in Steamboat Springs, Colorado and work as a Social Media Marketing assistant.