Protecting Your Pet From Ticks

Summer is coming. This time of year can get pretty hot here in the Lone Star State. There are both downsides and benefits to living in warmer climates, for both people and pets. On the one hand, your furry friend will be able to run and play all year long. However, we also don’t get the respite from bugs and parasites that those in cooler areas do. Ticks are one of the most concerning ones for dogs. A local Rockwall, TX veterinarian offers some tips on keeping Fido safe from ticks in this article. 

Preventative Care

Your best weapon in the war against ticks is going to come from your vet, in the form of parasite control. There are many different products to choose from these days, such as topical drops, tablets, flea collars, and shampoos. Talk to your vet, and figure out what is right for you. Keep on top of the application schedule, and be extra vigilant as the time nears for the next dose.

Landscaping Practices 

Ticks don’t like being exposed: like most villains, they prefer to stick to the shadows. They often lurk in tall grasses, leaf piles, and shady areas. Keeping your yard mowed can help quite a bit with making it an unfriendly environment for these tiny monsters. If you have gardens and/or produce trees, stay on top of picking up produce that has fallen to the ground. This can attract rats, mice, and other critters, which may be carrying ticks. (It can also attract snakes, which feed on rodents.) Trimming bushes back so the branches don’t touch the walls of your home will also help. Another thing you can try is putting in a gravel path where your property merges with fields or woods. Many ticks will turn back at crossing open areas. 

Tick Checks 

We also recommend checking your canine buddy over daily, especially after he has been in fields or wooded areas. This can easily be worked into doggy hangout time. Remember to check beneath Fido’s collar and between his toes. If you do see any ticks, use tweezers or a tick remover to gently pull it out. Don’t snap it off: this could leave parts stuck in your pup’s skin, which can cause infection.

Do you have questions about your furry friend’s health or care? Contact us, your local Rockwall, TX animal clinic, anytime!