How to check for ticks?

  • Brush your fingers through their fur applying enough pressure to feel any small bumps.
  • Be sure to check between your pet’s toes, behind ears, under armpits and around the tail and head, too. If you do feel a bump, pull the fur apart to see what’s there.
  • A tick that has embedded itself will vary in size, something from the size of a pinhead to a grape. Sometimes you will find a small male tick with the big round female tick.
  • Ticks are usually black or dark brown in color but will turn a grayish-white.

How can one remove ticks?

  • Consider bringing your dog to a veterinarian who can safely perform the task and, possibly, show you how it’s done. Infection can occur after less than 24 hours, so if you find a tick on your dog, remove it right away.
  • Use gloves or tissue to cover your hands. Wear eye protection- sun glasses work well if you do not wear glasses.
  • Grasp the tick with fine tipped tweezers or a special tick removal instrument.
  • Do not use a match to burn the tick, nail polish remover, witch hazel or alcohol- these do NOT make the tick detach as I have heard of from other people through the years. These do not work.
  • Pull the tick straight out. Don’t twist the body of the tick.
  • Don’t squeeze the tick. Crushing the tick can release harmful bacteria which can enter your pet’s bloodstream or your own through a scratch on your skin.
  • After removal, clean your dog’s skin with soap and warm water.
  • Wash your hands too.
  • Dispose of the tick by placing it in alcohol; do NOT flush it down the toilet.

PREVENTION is key:

See your veterinarian for the best product for the safety of your pet and you. We have some newer products available that work more quickly and safely.

Treat mulch when you are doing more landscaping at the house or bring in new plants.

Call to get a professional pest control person for your inside and outside of your home.

If you find ticks on your pet, your whole family can be at risk of exposure to serious infectious diseases- like Lyme’s Disease.

For more on Dr. Webster go to www.tampavet.com