Share:

Checking for and removing ticks is an essential pet grooming tasks you can perform for your dog. Ticks pose a danger to your furry friend's health, and if they’re brought inside, they can affect you as well. Learn more about what you can do to keep your dog safe from these pesky insects. 

How Are Ticks Harmful to Dogs?

Ticks are parasites that feed on blood. In doing so, they can spread dangerous diseases, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and anaplasmosis. They can also cause hepatozoonosis, a disease affecting the dog's spleen, kidneys, and liver, which results in fever, lethargy, decreased appetite, weight loss, and muscle pain or weakness. If tick infestation is severe, the dog may suffer anemia due to blood loss or paralysis caused by toxins the ticks produce while feeding.

Where to Check

Pet groomingDuring pet grooming sessions, check locations where ticks commonly attach themselves to dog’s bodies. They often hide inside the ears, beneath the tail, in the genital region, between the dog's toes, and around the folds of the eyes.

To remove a tick, squeeze the dog's skin around the affected location and grasp the insect with fine-point tweezers or a specially-made "tick hook." Lift straight up and dispose of the insect. Clean the bite area with alcohol and sterilize the tweezers.

How to Prevent Ticks

Many flea collars also offer tick protection. You can also buy special tick dips and shampoos, and your veterinarian can provide oral medications for your pet. If you seek a more natural method, some pet owners believe that adding garlic and apple cider vinegar to the animal's diet makes them appealing to ticks. 

 

For reliable pet grooming, nail cutting, tick removal, and all-around care, bring your furry friend to Golden Heart Boarding & Grooming, in North Pole, AK. They are fully licensed and have served Greater Fairbanks for many years. In addition to pet grooming, they also offer doggy day care and cat and dog boarding services. Visit their website to learn more about them or call (907) 488-6866 to arrange a consultation.

tracking