How easy is it really for dogs to get ticks? Here’s why prevention matters.
Ticks are becoming active in Maryland again, which means it pays to pay attention to where you and your pets go this spring through fall. The great outdoors is great indeed in Maryland, but ticks and their diseases are a risk one must prepare for. Dogs are an easy target for these biting arachnids and just as susceptible to Lyme or Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Where could your dog get ticks, and what should you do for prevention or treatment?
How Easy Is It for Dogs to Get Ticks?
Ticks, which comprise several species of blood-sucking arachnids, tend to dwell in Maryland’s marshes, tall grasses, and bushes. You are more likely to run into them if you are hiking in areas with brush, tall grasses, etc. They do not jump or fall off trees, but they transfer via a human or animal brushing up against their current landing. It is best to be cautious and check over your pet now and then even if you do not tend to go into the woods, meadows, or marshes. Dogs are much closer to the ground and could easily catch these pests and transfer them into your home and on you.
Where Could Your Dog Get Ticks?
Face, Eyelids, Ears
The face, eyelids, and anywhere on or in the ears is fair game for finding ticks on your dog. As dogs explore with their noses, it’s possible to find ticks anywhere on their head. Inspect their face, eyelids, outer ears, and inner ears thoroughly after a hike.
Paws
Ticks could also hide in crevices such as in between toes. Any crevice in your dog’s paws is a possible hiding spot for ticks. When you clean your dog’s paws after a walk, be sure to check for ticks and dirt in these parts.
Dark, Warm Crevices
Many bugs, including ticks, like to nestle in dark, warm crevices. On your pet dog, that could mean under its tail near the base, in the groin area, in its “armpits,” and under its collar. Check all nooks and crannies on your dog, including wrinkles!
Anywhere on the Body
Your dog could get ticks virtually anywhere on its body, and they are more likely to hide if your dog has luscious, thick fur. Give your dog a thorough checkup just to be safe!
Consult Everhart Veterinary Medicine for Tick Prevention!
Prevention and treatment begin with your vet’s recommendations. Use tick prevention treatments on your pet before going into nature this spring, and consult with your vet on options and treatment.
Trust the Care of Your Pet to the Professionals at Everhart Veterinary Medicine!
At Everhart Veterinary Medicine, our veterinary professionals strive to provide your pet with the very best of veterinary care. We believe that the best care for your pet should be provided by experienced, compassionate, and knowledgeable veterinary professionals. With two Maryland locations in both Baltimore and Pasadena, we are always ready to welcome your pet as a new patient! Give us a call today at 410-355-3131 or 410-793-7670! For more information, as well as updates on veterinary news and topics, visit us on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn!