The last few years, ticks have been on rise in both Fairfield County CT and Westchester County NY. Dogs and cats seem to get them even more often than humans because they are often running around and rolling around in the grass and bushes.
If your dog or cat gets a tick, you'll want to remove it as quickly as possible. Ticks can definitely transmit diseases to both humans and pets, so the quicker you remove them, the safer everyone will be.
Deer ticks tend to be the ones people are most concerned about as they can transmit Lyme's disease (and several other diseases). But, the dog ticks are even more common in our area, and they can transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever, which can be fatal.
The good news is that if you remove a tick within 24 hours of it embedding itself, you (or your pet) are most likely to be safe.
So, be sure to check your pet (and yourself) often, especially after going outside, and especially during the spring, summer and early fall months. And, it's idea to use some sort of tick & flea provention, such as Frontline, as these repel ticks (and fleas). And, of course, beginning in the spring, follow these tips to prevent and control ticks in your yard.
But, if your pet gets a tick swift and complete removal is your best bet. When we were growing up, our golden retriever use to get them often, so my brother became an expert at this. This was before Frontline was invented, and our dog was big, so that flea collar just never seemed to quite cover her. At least, though, her color was golden, so it was easier to spot those pesky creature. We use to find them most often around the back of her ears, but you can find them virtually anywhere, so be alert.
Before you get started, gather all of your materials. It's challenging enough to remove a tick from yourself or your kid, but it's even more challenging with a squirming dog who may not understand what you're trying to do.
- Tweezers - sharper ones are much better
- Rubber gloves (ideal)...whatever you do, don't touch the tick with your bare hands...as this could transmit any diseases to you
- rubbing alcohol
1, Make sure your pet is calm and steady. The last thing you want is for your pet to squirm or run away. If you have a second person to hold your pet, do that. This is sometimes even more challenging with a cat because when they get nervous, the claws come out. So calm pet and calm your pet, and then everything should run smoothly.
2. Position the tweezers to grab the tick at the very base (i.e. the head). Get the tweezers as close to the skin as possible. You do not want to leave the head or any parts embedded within your pet's skin. (This can cause an infection).
3. Pull out the tick in a steady fashion. Do NOT twist it. You want the whole tick out. Be sure not to squeeze or crush the tick as the fluids may be infectious (for both you and your dog or cat). Examine the tick to make sure it's all out. (if it isn't, you'll want to take your pet to the Vet to remove what's left).
4. Kill the tick. We usually just flushed it down the toilet, but some people drown it in rubbing alcohol.
5. Disinfect the area of the bite with rubbing alcohol or antiseptic spray.
6. Reward your pet. Praise your dog or cat for being so good with some extra cuddles, playtime and/or a treat. This will make things easier for the next time this happens and will build more trust.
7. Keep an eye on your pet over the next 30 days or so. If you see anything odd such as a fever, reluctance to move, fatigue, loss of apetite, or swollen lymph nodes, then take your dog or cat to the vet immediately.
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