Ticks can transmit serious diseases to humans and pets. Our Hermitage vets explain how ticks live, what signs to look out for, and how to keep ticks away from your pets and family.
What are ticks?
Ticks are parasitic insects that feed on the blood of both animals and people. They can't fly or jump, so they rely on hosts for transportation (wild animals are usually the ones who bring ticks onto your property). Pets frequently become hosts once they arrive on your property, and parasites are then brought into your home.
Are ticks dangerous?
Ticks are dangerous to both humans and pets because they spread a variety of serious diseases. When a tick's saliva, which contains germs and bacteria, enters the bloodstream, it can cause serious conditions such as Lyme disease.
What do ticks look like in Hermitage?
Deer ticks are one of the most common ticks in Hermitage and are thought to be the primary cause of Lyme disease in our area. They're joined by four other tick species: the lone star, American, groundhog, and brown dog.
Male and female black-legged ticks have flat, oval bodies and are found in wooded and bushy areas. Female deer ticks are about one-eighth of an inch long and orangish-brown in color (with a reddish-brown abdomen that darkens after feeding on a host), while male deer ticks are about one-sixteenth of an inch long and reddish-brown in colour all around. They have sharply pointed, toothed mouthparts that are visible from above and are longer than they are wide. Tick exposure can happen at any time of year, but the most active time for ticks is in the spring and summer (April to September).
How do I check my pet for ticks?
Even after a brief stroll through bush and grass, thoroughly check your dog for ticks. Examine your pet's fur thoroughly, including behind and inside the ears, between the legs, around the neck, and between the toes.
How do I get rid of or prevent ticks?
You can use a number of different methods for getting rid of and preventing ticks on small pets and dogs. Your options include spot-on treatments, oral medications, tick collars, or even using Ticks on small pets and dogs can be removed and prevented using various methods. You can use spot-on treatments, oral medications, tick collars, or a medicated shampoo to bathe your pet and kill ticks on contact. Consult your vet for the best option for you and your pet.
Keep your lawn trimmed to keep ticks out of your yard. Ticks will have fewer places to live and breed, reducing the risk of ticks. During tick season, you should also limit your pet's time outside.