Ticks In the Wintertime

As the weather turns from cool to brisk, outdoor enthusiasts are rethinking spending additional time outdoors; however, pets are used to going outside for at least 30 minutes a day and are begging for more play time. In addition to the cool temperatures, pet owners must worry about hiding ticks. After all, ticks remain a year-long concern as long as temperatures are above freezing. Here's what we know.

Ticks will hide underneath leaves for warmth and shelter during the cold winter months. They will also sit on fire logs and will wander inside homes if the firewood is close enough to doorways. For people and pet safety against ticks, it's best to keep firewood and leaf piles away from houses.

When dogs come back inside after playing in the snow, wipe off the snow from their paws and dry their bodies. Then, perform a thorough tick search. Grooming pets for ticks can be done in less than five minutes and can save dogs from Lyme Disease and other tick-borne illnesses. Here are top tick hiding spots on dogs:

• Between toes
• In the groin area
• Underneath dog collars/clothes
• Elbows
• Under the tail
• In and around the ears

Remove a tick from the skin with a tick remover tool. Test the tick for tick diseases and take the dog to the vet for evaluation if bit by a tick.