Dogs: Where Ticks Hide
It's summertime; and while it's mostly fun and games, we need to pump the breaks to discuss the ugly side of summer like ticks. Ticks are not just a 'human' problem but also a concern for pets. Summer is prime season for tick movement in grassy and wooded areas. Keep reading to learn where ticks hide on pets and what pet owners can do to prevent tick diseases such as Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
Pet owners should groom pets for ticks after outdoor playtime in the fenced-in backyard. Ticks are mainly discovered on dogs around these parts of the body:
- Between toes
- In the groin area
- Underneath dog collars/clothes
- Elbows
- Under the tail
- In and around the ears
If an embedded tick is found on the body, it's best to use a tick remover tool immediately to gently lift the tick off the skin of the companion animal. Then, take the tick to a vet for identification and the dog to a vet or animal hospital to treat for possible tick infection.
Not all ticks carry tick diseases; but it really isn't worth the risk. Take time out of fun and games this summer to check dog fur for hidden ticks