As the warm weather calls you and your companion to the great outdoors, it’s time to brush up on tick safety! These tiny parasites are more than just a nuisance—they can transmit a number of diseases, including Lyme disease, to both pets and humans. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about ticks and how to keep your pets safe!
Dogs are adventurous explorers who love rolling in the grass, running through the woods and sniffing around shrubs and leaf piles. These are prime spots where ticks hang out, waiting to latch onto a passing host. Ticks are found in places with lots of vegetation, including parks, backyards, woods, meadows and fields. They can even be found at the beach! So, to answer the pressing question that many pet owners have—where can dogs get ticks?: Almost anywhere their curiosity takes them!
Ticks are sneaky little hitchhikers with a neat way of finding their next meal—it's called "questing." Picture this: A tick perched at the tip of a blade of grass, waving its tiny front legs in the air like it's signaling for a cab. The moment your dog (or another animal) brushes past, the tick latches on like a pro. From there, it crawls through the fur, looking for the perfect spot to settle in and take a bite. Check out facts about ticks in dogs to help you keep your pet—and you—free of ticks this spring!
Curious by nature, cats love to explore gardens and patios, and sunbathe on balconies. These outings can expose them to ticks “questing” in vegetation.
Cat owners are often surprised to find ticks on their pets. So, how do ticks get on cats? And even more puzzling—how do indoor cats get ticks? If a tick enters your home on your clothing, a dog or even a potted plant, it can end up on carpets, furniture or bedding and find its way onto your indoor cat. Regular tick checks and cleaning are essential, especially after outdoor adventures. Learn everything you need to know to help keep your cat safe from ticks this spring!
Ticks are masters of disguise, often hiding in dark, moist areas on your pet. Cats may be fastidious groomers, but ticks may often be hidden in long coats or hard-to-reach spots. In addition to using a tick preventive, check your pet for ticks every day or as soon as they come in from a walk or exploring your property. To check your pet for ticks, slowly run your fingers through their fur, feeling their skin for any small bumps.
When it comes to prime tick hangouts on your pet, focus on these seven tricky spots:
If you find a tick, remove it immediately using tweezers or a tick puller with slow, steady pressure. Try not to squish the tick while you’re removing it and be sure to get the entire tick, including its head. Kill the tick in rubbing alcohol before disposing of it. Do not squish it between your fingers, as infectious diseases may enter through small cuts or breaks in your skin. Wearing disposable rubber gloves while removing ticks and then washing your hands following removal can limit your exposure to diseases. Dispose of ticks in your household garbage after killing them with alcohol.
Find everything you need to protect your pet against parasites so you can enjoy the things you love to do together worry-free.
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