Ticks are pests to both humans and pets. Unfortunately, different varieties of ticks live across the whole United States and carry diseases like Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lyme Disease. Ticks can be as small as a sesame seed and their bites often go undetected, which is why it’s important to check your pets for ticks and take proper precautions. Although dogs seem to get ticks more often then cats, it is still possible for ticks to attach themselves to cats especially if they spend time wandering the great outdoors.

If your pet spends a lot of time outside, check for ticks daily. It’s easy! Examine your pet by running your fingertips over its entire body. Ticks like warm places with a lot of blood flow. Don’t forget to check your pet’s neck underneath the color, between toes, inside ears, and in the armpits. Look for any kind of bump or lump. Sharon Wachsler, blogger of After Gadget, offers a really helpful guide to examining any dog for ticks, even if it’s large, has black fur, or is especially hairy.

Besides limiting your dog’s exposure to outdoor environments like long grasses and woods, there are ways to prevent ticks in your own yard. The Center for Disease Control suggests mowing your lawn and raking leaves frequently, eliminating tall grass and brush, placing playground equipment and patio furniture in sunny areas away from woods, and creating a barrier of gravel or wood chips between your yard and any wooded areas.

Oh no, I found a tick! The good news is that it’s possible to remove the tick from your pet with a tick remover or pointy tweezers. However, there is a method to the tick removal madness. It’s important to remove the tick alive and in one piece. It’s important not to cause the tick to break apart or regurgitate, as these can still spread illnesses. The tick’s head will be burrowed into your pet’s skin which makes the process tricky. The Animal Medical Hospital of West Vancouver provides clear instructions, beginning with “Make sure the thing you are trying to remove really is a tick.”

If you are unsure about the process or want to double check that you did find a tick, contact your local vet. He or she can teach you how to identify ticks, remove ticks, and treat tick bites. Plus, they may have some suggestions and preventative medications for ticks.

At In Home Pet Sitters, we also care about your pet’s health and wellness. Send us an email or call us at 1-321-794-4477 for more information about our cage-free boarding options and pet taxi services. We also provide potty breaks and serve owners of cats and other small animals.