As you’ve probably noticed, ticks have become an increasingly common issue in recent years. While these disgusting parasites used to be fairly uncommon in this area, they’re now, unfortunately, pretty much everywhere. In this article, a London, ON veterinarian offer tips on keeping your furry buddy tick-free.

Parasite Prevention

First and foremost, keep up with your four-legged friend’s parasite prevention programs. There are many wonderful products available today, such as topical drops, sprays, and shampoos. Follow the instructions to the letter! You should never double up on these products, as that can expose pets to harmful levels of pesticides. The only possible exception here is tick spray. For example, if you’re taking your dog camping with you, your vet may advise you to spray Fido’s bed, even if he is on parasite control. As always, the key thing is to check with your vet, and follow their specific recommendations.

Property Management

There are also some things that you can do to make your property less appealing to these unwanted guests. Keeping your yard neatly mowed will help. Ticks don’t like being exposed to sunlight, so they usually prefer long grass to manicured lawns. You’ll also want to remove any debris, such as fallen branches or leaves. If you have fruit trees or a garden, pick up fallen produce right away. Otherwise, your yard may attract wild animals that carry ticks. It’s also important to keep hedges trimmed, so they don’t touch the walls of your house. That just offers ticks easy access!

Tick Checks

Get into the habit of doing regular tick checks. We recommend doing this at least once a day, as well as any time you bring your four-legged pal in from a field or wooded area. This is easy to work into cuddle time! Don’t forget to check beneath your pet’s collars and between those furry toes. If you do find a tick, don’t panic. Use tweezers or a tick popper to gently remove the little monster. Make sure you get the whole thing! Once the tick has been removed, either save it or take a good picture of it. That way, it can be identified if your pet does develop symptoms.

Is your beloved pet due for an exam, vaccinations, or parasite control? As your local London, ON veterinary clinic, we’re here to help. Contact us anytime!