Ticks are external parasites that live of the blood of mammals, birds and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Ticks transmit diseases such as Lyme disease and tick-born meningoencephalitis. Ticks can be recognized as they are usually eight legged. They are about the size of a small seed and are either black (male) or have a red abdomen (female). These blood-feeding parasites can often be found in tall grass where they are waiting for a dog to pass by and climb onto. Unlike fleas, ticks do not jump or fly, they drop, fall or occasionally “stalk” the dog by running after them. Once full, the dog tick will fall off the dog however this may happen after days of feeding on the animal’s blood.
The most common disease resulting of a dog tick bite is the “tick paralysis”. Once the dog tick has bitten the dog, it transmits a toxin that affects the nervous system. The results is a muscle tone paralysis that usually only affect the hind limbs. In other dogs, the condition can move up to the body and affect the front limbs and muscles required for respiration.
How do I know that my dog has dog tick paralysis? The symptoms of dog tick paralysis include decreased or absent reflexes and muscle tone, weakness and paralysis. Other signs to watch out for are difficulty breathing, chewing and swallowing. The dog generally as no fever and the death can occur within hours due to respiratory failure. Most are chronic problems which occur slowly over time however other may occur suddenly.
What to do if my dog gets bitten by a dog tick? Usually your dog gets bitten on his head, neck and paws but they can be anywhere else on the dog’s body. Remove the dog tick swiftly. The mouthparts of a dog tick are like barb wire and may remain embedded and lead to infection. The best way to remove a dog tick is to grasp it firmly with tweezers as close to the skin as possible and gently, but firmly, pull it straight out. Ticks can be sdisposed of by placing them in a container of salt water and/or alcohol or flushing them down the toilet or drain.
That usually will prevent your dog from getting ill however if he does show any signs of dog tick paralysis, bring him to the vet immediately. There is an antitoxin that can be given if it is available and can be procured quickly.
How do I avoid my dog getting bitten by a dog tick? Unfortunately ticks can be found anywhere and everywhere. It is therefore almost impossible to evade them completely. Here is what we suggest to prevent your dog from becoming sick:
Examine your dog frequently by checking the areas with lesser hair such as around the ears, between the toes and on the belly. You can also use a fine comb that would scoop up little black dots which is the waist of the dog tick.
Cut your lawn so it stays short to avoid humidity which ticks love.Use a double treatment frequently which causes the dog tick to loosen the grip once clanged onto your dog’s skin. We highly recommend the Frontline Kits; dog owners swear on their effectiveness and vet’s usually recommend them as well. You usually apply these “Once-a-month topical” on a small area of your dog, which makes the procedure much more easier than wrestling with your dog in the bath tub! Some of the products kill fleas and ticks and others just fleas. Highly recommended products are Frontline Plus, Advantage and K9 Advantix. To find out more about the products available on the market visit the No More Fleas Please website www.nomorefleasplease.com .
Being a loving dog owner not only means to play and feed your companion but also to regular inspect him for ticks and apply preventative products to ensure that he stays healthy.
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