Ticks are one of the most common parasites in dogs and require our constant attention and caution, as they can not only cause irritation, itching, and skin problems in our furry friends, but they also carry diseases that can seriously compromise their health .
If you’ve ever wondered “ How do I get rid of ticks on dogs ?”, in this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about ticks: how to identify them, the times of year when your dog is most at risk, and most importantly, how to prevent and treat tick bites. Take note!
What does a tick look like?
Ticks are external parasites that feed on blood and can transmit different infectious diseases such as Lyme disease .
These medium-sized arthropods range from 3 to 8 mm and can grow even larger when feeding.
They have 8 legs and although they cannot fly or jump, and their mobility seems limited, ticks are skilled at locating themselves in areas where the skin of dogs is thinner and more accessible , such as the ears, neck, belly and groin, thus making it easier for them to feed.
Types of ticks in dogs
As we have already mentioned, there are a lot of different species of ticks on dogs, but they can all be classified into two families:
Hard ticks (family Ixodidae ):
- They have a protective shield in the form of a hard shell on the dorsal part of the body.
- The part they feed on is visible.
- They bite fewer hosts and feed on them for several days.
- You will be able to differentiate it because you can see all its parts by looking at it from above.
Soft ticks (family Argasidae ):
- It does not have a protective shell.
- The part from which they feed is in the lower part of the body.
- They bite many hosts and remain there for discontinuous periods (hours).
- You will be able to differentiate it because you can see all its parts by observing it from below.
These two types of ticks in dogs share the same life cycle : they hatch from eggs, become larvae, then nymphs, and finally adults. The main difference in their evolutionary stages is that soft ticks go through several nymphal episodes before becoming adults. In addition, they feed on blood at all stages, so they parasitize from birth.
In our next post you will find more details about the different diseases transmitted by ticks .
What is the highest risk season for ticks in dogs?
The time of greatest risk for ticks in dogs is mainly during the warmer months of the year, especially during spring and summer, when high temperatures create the perfect environment for their activity and proliferation.
During these months, it is extremely important to take extreme precautions and reinforce the protection of our dogs , since it is the time when the risk of contagion by ticks reaches its highest point.
Areas of greatest exposure include outdoor places such as gardens, parks and rural areas , where these parasites find ideal conditions to live and reproduce.
What are the symptoms of ticks in dogs?
A tick bite can manifest itself in your dog through several symptoms. It is important to pay attention to these signs in order to act quickly and avoid complications:
- Constant scratching : This is due to the irritation caused by the bite.
- Skin changes : You may notice rashes, bites, irritations, or sores on your skin.
- Localized paralysis : In severe cases, tick saliva can cause paralysis in the affected area, as a result of its analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant properties.
- General symptoms : Dogs may experience loss of appetite, fever, apathy, as well as vomiting and diarrhea in large infestations.
- Allergic reactions : Evidenced by lumps, skin inflammation, red eyes or breathing difficulties.
- Signs of tick-borne illnesses : The diseases they transmit can take 1 to 3 weeks to show up, so it is very important to check your dog when returning from walks in areas prone to ticks, such as ears, eyelids, nape, neck, around the tail, paws or between the toes.
| If any of the above symptoms appear, it is essential to take your dog to the vet immediately for appropriate and timely treatment. |
How to remove a tick from a dog?
Removing ticks from dogs is a process that must be carried out carefully and precisely to ensure that the parasite is completely removed and to prevent the transmission of diseases. Here we detail step by step how to remove a tick from a dog safely.
If you feel unsure about removing a tick from your dog, don’t hesitate to consult your veterinarian . This professional can take care of removing the tick for you or teach you how to do it correctly.
Steps to remove a tick:
1-Preparation:
- Make sure you have the right tools on hand, such as fine tweezers or a specialized tick removal tool . Keep your dog calm and quiet, which may require the help of another person.
Avoid ordinary tweezers, since when you squeeze, you could leave the head inside and create an infection for your dog.
2-Location and extraction:
Carefully locate the tick on your dog’s skin. Before proceeding with the tweezers, we recommend applying an antiparasitic spray to the tick and letting it sit for a few minutes. This step can help weaken the tick , encouraging it to release its grip or pull its head out of the skin, thus facilitating a safer and more effective removal.
3-After extraction:
- Once you have removed the tick, clean the bite area with a suitable disinfectant.
- Dispose of the tick so it cannot infect other hosts. Place it in a container with alcohol or wrap it tightly in tape before disposing of it.
- Observe the bite area for a few days after removal. Look for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, warmth, or pain. Also, watch for any changes in your dog’s behavior that could indicate a tick-borne illness.
How to treat a tick bite?
After removing the tick:
- Clean the area with soap and water and then apply an antiseptic to eliminate any traces of infection.
- Don’t cover the wound, it’s better to leave it exposed to the air.
- Avoid licking.
- You can use some special ointment or aloe to soothe the itching.
How to prevent tick bites in dogs
Preventing tick bites is essential to keeping your dog healthy and parasite-free. Here’s how you can protect your canine companion:
- Use antiparasitic products: Choose products recommended by your veterinarian, such as antiparasitic collars and antiparasitic pipettes , which are methods that help repel and eliminate ticks.
To choose the most suitable product for your dog, we invite you to read our post “ Comparison between pipettes, antiparasitic collars and sprays ”.
- Check your dog regularly : After every walk, check your dog’s coat and skin for these parasites.
- Keep your dog’s environment clean by reducing potential tick habitats:
- Outdoors , make sure you properly care for your gardens and open spaces: mow the lawn regularly, remove leaf litter, prune shrubs and control weeds.
- Inside, use pet -specific cleaning products to help maintain a parasite-free and safe environment for your dog.
Now you are ready to protect your dog from ticks! Remember that prevention is key, and with the right care and constant vigilance, you can offer your best friend a happier, healthier life, far from the threats that ticks pose.
