There are a number of effective ways to prevent to protect your pet from ticks. They range from natural methods to commercial preparations designed to keep ticks at bay.
Why are Ticks so Dangerous?
Ticks are dangerous to people and pets because they are a parasite that sucks the blood from its host, which can be a mammal, reptile or amphibian. They can pick up bacteria from these hosts and transfer them when they bite a human, dog or cat. There are many tickborne diseases, but the best-known is Lyme disease. It is spread by the black-legged tick, also known as the deer tick.
The black-legged tick carries a bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted through mice and other small rodents. If a tick carrying this bacteria latches on for 24 hours or more, it can infect a person or pet with Lyme.
Lyme disease-carrying ticks are most common in the Northeastern part of the US, so if you live in that region, and your pets spend a lot of time outdoors, you might wish to use one or more natural or veterinarian-prescribed methods of preventing ticks.
Tick Prevention
There are many things you can do to help prevent your cat or dog from attracting ticks. The first is to watch where they go. Ticks love cool, wooded areas and long grass. You might wish to just walk your dog rather than give it free rein to wander at will.
If you do let them wander, use insect repellent. Citronella is safe and effective. You can apply this essential oil in a diluted form, or use it in a shampoo. Neem oil smells similar and works well in shampoo to keep insects away.
If you can’t keep your pet away from the high-risk areas where ticks lurk, use prescription medicine such as Frontline or Advantage. They serve as insecticides, and also disrupt the lifecycle of the bugs, preventing them from maturing into adult insects that will continue to mate, procreate, and infest your pets and your home.
Most of these products recommend you apply them between the shoulder blades so your pet can’t lick it. They also suggest you not bathe your animal for several days before and after so it can really penetrate into the pet’s skin. Don’t apply it to the fur, but the skin underneath.
If you live in a really high-risk area such as near a forest, or are planning to vacation near one, get a tick collar. They will usually last from one up to three months if they don’t get soaking wet.
Other Preventive Measures
When your pet has been outside, check for ticks once they come home. Check the belly, muzzle and ears in particular. If they are a long-haired breed, give them a close cut, at least in the spring and summer when most cases of Lyme disease have been reported.
If you do find a tick, remove it immediately as safely as possible, with a pair of fine-tipped tweezers and a magnifying glass if you have one. Part the fur so you can get a good look at the tick. Use the tweezers to pull in straight up and out of the skin to remove the tick fully. Don’t yank or twist. The tick’s mouth parts could snap off and remain in the skin, increasing the risk of infection.
Use natural insect repellants around the house, such as lavender essential oil and dried flowers. They make a fragrant addition to any pet bed.
If you have carpeting, vacuum regularly. If your pet tends to spend a lot of time on the sofa, vacuum it regularly. At the end of each cleaning session, empty the canister or throw the bag away.
If you sleep with your pet, wash the bed linens at least once a week. Tumble dry to kill off any eggs.
Take these simple steps, and you should be able to protect you pets from disease-bearing ticks.
