Visit www . suburban-k9 . com or call ( 847 ) 232-1269
We are deep into the heart of tick season ! This year has been extremely wet and warm , two conditions that have made the tick population explode in the Midwest . Many people only worry about their dog getting a tick when in a wooded area , but most ticks actually live on tall grasses , just waiting to latch on to your pet . There might even be ticks in the bushes and ornamental grasses in your own yard . Another common misconception is that ticks are only present during the warm months , but they actually live all year round .
Ticks are arachnids like spiders or scorpions . They have a mouth that allows them to attach to the host and they are difficult to shake off or remove . They feed on the skin and blood of a host . Without a host they will eventually starve and die .
The most difficult challenge that ticks provide is finding them on your four-legged friends . Once attached under the fur they are extremely difficult to see . We recommend that you do a check on your dog every day . This is as simple as petting your dog all over , but there are a few places you want to pay extra special attention . Ticks usually latch on around the dog ’ s collar , ears and down their shoulders and back .
If you find a tick on your dog , don ’ t panic ! If you remove the tick quickly the odds of your dog getting sick are very
Dear WSHS ,
Stray Thoughts Summer 2018
Ask the Trainer Tick Season
Aries is adjusting wonderfully ! She has so much personality and we all love her . She has wasted no time making our home hers . We have a vet intro tomorrow morning at Wheaton Animal Hospital and a check up on her spay next Saturday at West Suburban Vet Association .
Sincerely , Madi low . How do you actually remove the tick ? First , grab a pair of fine-nosed tweezers and make sure you are able to keep your pet still . Then simply grab the tick close to the dogs skin and gently pull straight away from the dog . Be careful not to squeeze the tick as this can force infectious fluids into your dog .
Don ’ t try any fancy tricks such as burning the tick off , freezing the tick off , killing it with rubbing alcohol , or twisting the tick in a circular motion . These methods are not generally recommended by veterinarians .
Once the tick is removed , there are two more important steps . First , gently wash the area where the tick bit your dog with soap and water . Second , save the tick just in case your dog gets sick . You can then submit the tick for testing if needed . Make sure not to handle to tick with your bare hands because it can transmit disease through small breaks in your skin . Better safe than sorry !
Don ’ t let ticks stop you from enjoying the warm weather with your dog . Just use a good flea and tick preventative such as Frontline , do frequent tick checks and simply remove the ticks as soon as you find them .
Now get out and enjoy weather with your dog !
Visit www . suburban-k9 . com or call ( 847 ) 232-1269
Emails and Letters from Adopters
4