Pet Your Pet!

For Tick Detection and Removal.

It is the month of May; meaning, spring may have finally arrived! Here in our own patch of Idaho, we have several signs that offer hope that any, lasting, bout with snow is behind us. There are the wildflowers, of course, but the dead giveaway is not the welcome return of bluebirds. No, it’s the return of the arachnid-menace – the tick!

There are several varieties of this loathsome parasite. Our region currently carries two species of ticks – American Dog and Rocky Mountain Wood Ticks, (see photo). I say “currently” due to the easily transported nature of these creatures and the mobility of Americans. It’s likely just a matter of time before more species will call this region, “home”.

It is well-known that ticks, like most parasitical lifeforms, carry with them a number of diseases; the most noted among those are Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lyme Disease, (brought to the NW from the upper mid-west some decades ago.)

In bad years, several ticks can be found on a single dog.

There are several medications, potions, and concoctions advertising their success in defending your canine from the hazards of hitchhiking ticks. Along with frequent (about every-other week) bathing with tick shampoos, I have found the two best methods include, trimming the coat of (some) long-haired dogs and - petting them more often! Yes, trimming the coat will cool-off the dogs during the dog-days of summer and makes tick detection much easier. By running fingers along and through the coat of your dog - especially around the neck and ears - you will often find the little offenders.

Even with the use of tick medicated shampoos, ticks may still adhere themselves before succumbing to the effects. Once a tick is located, the first thing to keep in mind is - RELAX! It is not likely a matter of life or death. Exaggerating the seriousness of the situation only gets you and the dog un-necessarily worked-up.

There are several manners of removal – some better than others. Many methods are developed more for the squeamishness of the human than the betterment of the dog. If you have been using medicated products, often the bug is too lethargic to rely on self-removal methods. Being rather fond of “simple is better”, I usually use tweezers; grabbing the tick as close to the dog’s skin as possible, and pulling straight out. If you get the bit of skin the tick was grasping with its mouthparts known as “hypostome”, you got it all.

The tab of skin attached to the tick (here, a Rocky Mtn Wood Tick) is a sign of its complete removal.

Yes, you can use any of the several methods proclaiming success. And, “Yes”, you can use a multitude of topical treatments – before and after. Keeping tabs on the area where the tick(s) were found for any sign of infection or noticing drastic changes in the dog’s personality, such as being lethargic or not eating, is when you consider contacting your vet.

Spring is a good time of year for you and your dog to get some exercise and training. Always keeping in mind that, for those of us living in tick country, the most effective, and practical, method of tick detection begins with petting your pet! - Enjoy Your Dog!

Up Next: “See” What Your Dog is Saying…