Out there lurking among the tall grass and decaying leaves waiting to pounce is a nemesis to dogs even worse than squirrels – Ticks! Worst yet, it is virtually impossible to avoid them. Even dogs who only spend a brief time outside can pick up a hungry Tick. So unless you want to become a hermit and never leave your house again, we must be vigilant because Ticks are lurking everywhere dogs like to hang out including our woods, parks, and even in our yards! How do we minimize contact with these tiny Super Villains, you ask? We must think like a Tick!
First off, Ticks are sneaky little buggers who like to hide in plain sight. They thrive in yards and parks where they can hide in the grass and shrubs. There they wait for unsuspecting dogs to pass by so they can latch onto us for a blood meal. However, one way to minimize your contact with this disease causing enemy is to remind your owners to maintain a clean play area for you. I know leaves are awesome. Asa LOVES rolling in leaves, and I think they are a delicious snack. But they are also a good hiding place for our nemesis. Therefore this spring it is important for your humans to remove leaves and other debris from around your yard. Also remind them that they should mow the grass and not let it grow too high in areas where we play. Also hang bird feeders away from our play areas, because the food can attract Tick carrying hosts, such as mice and squirrels.
Like most nefarious characters, Ticks also lurk in the dark shadows of the woods where they can ambush you in the underbrush and on the tips of tall grasses and weeds. Therefore during the spring and fall when Ticks tend to be more active, we need to avoid the temptation of wooded areas. Let’s face it, it has been a long winter for them too, and they are awake and hungry now! When doing their spring yard work, if it is possible, have your humans put a three foot wide barrier of mulch, wood chips or gravel between your yard and wooded areas. Studies have shown that Ticks do not like to cross those types of barriers. Another way to minimize contact is to stack wood and place brush piles away from your play areas, where critters who carry Ticks like to dwell.
Remember, you’re not alone in your battle against these Super Villains! Your veterinarian is your best ally. Ask your vet which Tick prevention products are recommended for you, and remind your parents to give it to you as prescribed. Also please beware of cheaper price imitations being sold online. Make sure you get your Tick protection from a trusted source. Most importantly, have your humans give you a good inspection daily from the tip of your nose to the tip of your tail. Make sure they especially check between your paw pads, the back of your legs, belly, and around your head and ears where Ticks like to hide. Not only is this a great way to find any Ticks that may have hitched a ride on you, it also is a good opportunity for them to check for any suspicious lumps and bumps on you, not to mention you get a relaxing massage after a long day.
If you find a Tick, it should be removed immediately, using tweezers or a tick removal spoon. After it is removed, it is best to seal it in a ziplock bag, and label it with the date and area it was biting you, in case you become sick and your owners have to take you to the vet. Some states even have labs where you can send it for testing. This helps scientists to monitor tick-borne illnesses in your area. In our state, for a nominal fee, the University of Maine offers a Cooperative Extension Tick Lab, where residents can send Ticks for testing. Not all Ticks carry disease, but it is important to remove it when one is found on you, and properly dispose of it. The CDC recommends putting the Tick in alcohol, placing it in a sealed container, or wrapping it tightly in tape. Flushing it down the drain or toilet isn’t always advisable, because Ticks don’t drown! They’ve even been known to crawl out of the toilet bowl! Also never crush a Tick, because if it is infected your humans could inadvertently be exposed to the pathogen.
After the Tick is removed, your owners should also clean the wound with antiseptic, and monitor that spot for irritation and infection. Other signs your humans should be concerned about are fever, loss of appetite, difficulty walking, swollen joints, fatigue, vomiting, redness around the affected area, enlarged lymph nodes, among other symptoms. If you experience any of these symptoms have your humans contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Now I’m a Golden Retriever, and by no means a medical professional or even an expert Super Villain crime fighter. Therefore, I strongly recommend that you speak with your veterinarian further about the prevention and proper removal of Ticks. This conversation with a veterinarian is especially important if you share your home with cats, because preventatives that are good for dogs can be dangerous for cats. However, I do know that dogs naturally like to make friends with the creatures that we meet, especially my brother, Asa. Do not be fooled by a smooth talking Tick! Ticks are dogs’ enemy #1 even worse than squirrels! So when you’re out enjoying a nice spring day, remember to be on alert and think like a Tick!
