Ticks can spread many serious diseases to cats, dogs and humans. In this post, our veterinarians explain how you can protect your pet and your family from these external parasites.
What are ticks?
These external parasites depend on hosts for food and transportation. Ticks consume their hosts' blood and can feed on both animals and humans.
Wild animals are often responsible for bringing ticks into backyards where pets can easily pick them up before bringing them into the house.
Are ticks dangerous?
Since they spread several serious diseases such as Anaplasmosis, Canine Babesiosis, Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, ticks are a danger to pets and people.
This parasite's saliva carries bacteria and germs that may be transmitted to people, in some cases leading to alpha-gal allergy in people. This allergy causes an allergic reaction to eating meat.
What do ticks look like in and other places across the US?
The brown dog tick, American dog tick and the lone star tick are some of the most common ticks found across the United States.
Brown Dog Tick
The brown dog tick is considered the most widespread tick species in the world and is typically found in warm climates. This tick is reddish-brown in color and approximately 1/8 of an inch in length before feeding. A brown dog tick that has fed will measure about 1/2 inch in length.
The American Dog Tick
This tick is often found in parks, along wooded paths, and in farm pastures. These parasites are reddish-brown in color with white or yellow markings. The male ticks are about 1/8 of an inch in length while the females are somewhat larger and can grow up to a 1/2 inch in length once fed.
Lone Star Ticks
Female lone star ticks are easy to identify thanks to the white spot in the middle of their backs. These ticks are about 1/8 of an inch in length and brown in color. Lone star ticks are responsible for passing along the alpha-gal allergy to people.
How do I check my pet for ticks?
Ticks are relatively easy to spot due to their fairly large size. Examine deep in your pet's fur around the neck, between the toes, inside the ears, and between the legs.
It's a good idea to check your pet for ticks whenever your pet has been walking through fields of long grass or wooded areas.
How do I prevent or get rid of ticks?
There are a variety of methods available to help prevent and treat ticks on small pets and dogs. Options include oral medications, spot treatments, tick collars and even bathing your pet with a shampoo that contains medicated ingredients that kill ticks on contact.
It may also help to keep your lawn well-trimmed to prevent ticks from making your backyard their home.