Ticks may be small, but they are one of the biggest dangers that our canine companions face. These tiny, blood-sucking arachnids carry some very dangerous diseases. Many of them, such as Lyme, pose risks to both people and pets. While ticks aren’t shy about biting people, they often find dogs easy targets, in large part because our canine pals love romping around in woods or grassy areas. A Pasadena, MD vet offers some tips on protecting Fido from ticks below.

Parasite Control

The best way to keep your canine pal from getting ‘ticked off’ is also the simplest. Just keep up with Fido’s parasite control products! There are plenty of different types to pick from these days, such as powders, sprays, collars, and topical drops. They all have their own pros and cons, so you’ll want to talk to your vet to find what will work best for you. Just don’t double up on these: that could expose Fido to unsafe levels of chemicals.

Yard Care

Ticks love to lurk in tall grasses. Other popular tick hangouts would include debris piles, wood piles, and wooded areas. Keeping your lawn neatly mowed can go a long way towards discouraging these eight-legged pests from taking up residence. We also would advise trimming back shrubs, so they don’t touch the walls of your house. Remove debris, such as piles of dead branches, and keep wood piles nice and neat.

Garden

Do you grow your own produce? It’s great to have fresh, home-grown fruits and veggies for cooking. Just be sure to pick up anything that has fallen to the ground. Dropped fruit tends to attract wild animals, which can also carry ticks.

Pest Control

Are you dealing with a tick infestation? It may be worth your while to call a pest-control company. We recommend choosing one that uses natural, eco-friendly products. These are much safer for both the environment and your beloved pet.

Doggy Checks

Fido loves to get out and about and explore. He’s also pretty fond of sticking his cute nose into brush and plants. Get into the habit of checking your canine companion over daily. Remember to look between his furry toes and under his collar. If you do find a tick, remove it carefully, using a tick puller or tweezers.

Do you need to get parasite control products? Call us, your Pasadena, MD animal clinic!