Tick Bites on Dogs

Ticks are small parasites that feed on the blood of the warm blooded animals including dogs. These parasites flourish in regions that have a warm and humid climate. Tick bites on dogs, are mostly seen at alarming rates in the season between May and September. However, this does not mean that your dog may not be a host in other seasons. These blood-sucking parasites cannot be easily spotted in dogs who have a thick fur coat. Your dog may be able to remove them from the ears and paws, but they cannot do so for hard-to-reach places.

Symptoms

Dogs love to wander through grassy fields and woodlands, and in a way this is a good form of exercise. However, ticks may cling on to their body for sucking blood. This may cause an infection.

Tick bites may not be easily detected as the symptoms may appear after 7-21 days or may be even after that. It is necessary to keep a careful watch on your dog. An affected dog may display signs like fever, lethargy and lack of energy. Other symptoms include pain in the limbs and body, depression, swelling of the joints and lack of appetite. Your pet may face difficulty while walking. If you see these symptoms in your pet, take your dog to the nearest veterinarian and get a quick diagnosis.

Preventive Measures

You should check your dog for these parasites on regular intervals. You can trim the plants and mow the grass in your yard so that these parasites do not find places to hide. Using a tick collar will help. Pesticides can be sprayed in the outdoor areas but ensure the pesticides you are using are safe for your pet dog. Tick repellents can be used to get rid of them.

Treatment
If you spot these parasites on your dog's body, these must be removed with the help of forceps and tweezers. Pull the tick slowly with a pair of tweezers by applying a little pressure. Make sure you pull it straight without any sort of twist. Put it in a bottle containing alcohol. Do not forget to wash your hands with a disinfectant after removing it. Finally, rinse the area from where the tick was removed with an antiseptic soap and rub the area with a clean soft towel. Apply antibiotic ointment to prevent a bacterial infection. Check the area after few days and apply cream if required. You can also consult a veterinarian.

Do take preventive measures to prevent these parasites from harming your pet. If you notice the symptoms of a tick bite, consult a vet or follow the aforementioned steps for removing this parasite at the earliest.