Spring is finally upon us. Although we’re delighted to see the return of warm weather, we’re nowhere near as thrilled about some of the things that come with it … such as ticks. We’ve previously written about some ways to protect your furry best friend from these tiny monsters. Unfortunately, no preventative regime is 100 percent foolproof. For instance, flea and tick prevention products get less effective as the time for the next dose approaches. What happens if one gets through? In this article from Armitage Animal Clinic, your Newmarket, ON veterinary hospital, a local vet walks you through what to do.
Tools
If you don’t already have a tick removal tool, it’s worth picking one (or three) up: they’re quite inexpensive and, unfortunately, are likely to come in handy. If not, tweezers will work. You’ll also need rubbing alcohol, a small jar, and, ideally, gloves.
Removal
Using your weapon of choice, grasp the tick as close to your pet’s skin as you can. Pull it out in one steady movement. Don’t snap or twist it: this may leave parts of the tick embedded in your furry pal’s skin, which can still cause disease or infection.
Photo Shoot
It’s a good idea to photograph the beast before disposing of it. If Fido or Fluffy do develop symptoms, being able to identify the specific type of tick it was may be quite helpful. Out of the over 800 types of ticks out there, the ones to be concerned of around here are the American Dog, Lone Star, Deer (Black-legged), and Brown Dog ticks.
Disposal
It’s best to take some precautions here. Put the tick in the small jar, add rubbing alcohol, and dispose of it that way.
Recovery
Your furry buddy won’t need any special care or treatment, though a yummy treat or a new toy would not be inappropriate. However, you will want to check for redness or swelling at the site. Keep an eye out for symptoms as well. Ticks can spread many diseases, all of which have unique symptoms. Some of the common ones include lameness, swollen joints, fatigue, fever, and reduced appetite. Vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and nose bleeds are also red flags. Contact your vet immediately if you notice any of these things.
Is your furry friend due for an exam? Contact us, your Armitage Animal Clinic, your Newmarket, ON veterinary hospital, today!
