Found A Tick On Your Dog? Here’s What Vets Say To Do
If you spot a tick on your dog, don’t panic, but also don’t wait too long to act. Veterinarians say removing the tick as quickly as possible is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of serious tick-borne diseases. Ticks thrive in tall grass, wooded areas, and even some parks, where they latch onto dogs to feed on their blood. According to veterinarians, infected ticks can spread illnesses including Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis and babesiosis. However, not every tick carries disease, and the risk can vary depending on where you live. Experts recommend using fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to your dog’s skin as possible before pulling it straight out with steady pressure. Vets advise against home remedies like petroleum jelly, rubbing alcohol, or trying to burn the tick off, as these methods don’t help it detach safely. It’s also important to keep an eye out for warning signs after a bite. Swollen joints, limping, loss of appetite, fever, pain, or even neurological symptoms like seizures could signal a tick-borne illness and should be checked by a veterinarian.
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This summer, the U.S. is seeing more people bitten by ticks, with hospital visits going up.
