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Armitage Animal Clinic

Providing excellence in health care…for your pets!

Call us today! 905 836-4001
Call us today! 905-836-4001
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18025 Yonge St, Unit 6
Newmarket, ON L3Y 8C9

Ticked Off? Protecting Your Pet From Tiny Monsters

May 15 2021

The warm weather has returned … and so have the ticks. These arachnids may be tiny, but they can cause some very serious issues for both people and pets. These horrible parasites can carry Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted fever, and other dangerous diseases. In this article from Armitage Animal Clinic, a Newmarket, ON vet offers some advice on keeping your furry buddy safe.


 Parasite Control

Make sure to keep up with your pet’s parasite control products. There are quite a few options to choose from, so talk to your vet about which one is best for you.


Tick Checks

You’ll need to check your four-legged friend daily, especially after being outdoors in grassy or wooded areas. These little hitchhikers tend to latch on in unexpected places. Look under your pet’s collar, around their ears, and between their toes.


Tick Removal

What if you do find a tick? Don’t just rip it out. You could break it, and possibly leave bits embedded in your pet’s skin. This can cause infections down the road. Use a tick removal tool or tweezers to remove the little beast. Take a picture of it before you discard it. If your furry friend shows symptoms later, this can help with identifying which monster bit him.


Landscaping

There are ways to make your home less inviting to ticks. Keeping your lawn and hedges neatly trimmed will go a long way here, as ticks prefer to lurk in tall grasses. They also like shady areas and piles of debris, such as dead branches or leaves. You may also want to consider putting in a gravel border. Ticks don’t often cross these types of paths, as they don’t like being exposed to sunlight.


Pest Control

If you do have a lot of ticks on your property, you may want to consider professional pest control. Just go for non-toxic methods that won’t harm beneficial insects or other wildlife.


Wildlife

Speaking of wildlife, if you have deer, turkeys, or other critters on your land, consider putting up deer fencing. Wild animals often carry ticks. Also,  pick up any fruits or veggies that fall to the ground, so they don’t attract animals. Finally, don’t put birdfeeders up too close to your house.

 

Do you need parasite control for your pet? We can help! Contact Armitage Animal Clinic, your Newmarket, ON veterinary hospital, today!