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 backyards!  How do we minimize contact with these Super Villians, 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.  I LOVE rolling in leaves, and Asa thinks they are the best snack ever.  But they are also a good hiding place for our nemesis.  Therefore it is important for your parents to remove leaves and debris from around your yard.  Also remind them that they should mow the grass and not let it grow too high.

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 we need to avoid the temptation of wooded areas, especially during the spring and fall when Ticks tend to be more active.  When gardening, if it possible, ask your Mom and Dad to put a three foot barrier of wood chips or gravel between your yard and wooded areas.  Another way to minimize contact is to stack wood 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 as prescribed.  Most importantly, have your owners give you a good once over daily from the tip of your nose to the tip of your tail.  Make sure they especially check between your pads, under your legs and 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 relaxing massage after a long day.

If you find a Tick, don’t panic!  It can take a Tick from 24 to 48 hours to transmit an infection to you after it has latched on to your skin.  Also finding one does not necessarily mean you will get sick.  But it should be removed.  There are many good products out there to help your human remove Ticks.  After it is removed, it is best to seal it in a jar and label it with the date and area it was biting you, in case you become sick and your parents have to take you to the vet.  Your parents should also clean the wound with antiseptic, and monitor that spot for irritation and infection.  Other signs your Mom and Dad 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 owners 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.  But I am a dog, and I do know that we naturally like to make friends with the creatures that we meet.  Do not be fooled by a smooth talking Tick!  Ticks are dogs’ enemy #1 even worse than squirrels!