Nationwide the tick population steady rises, and even though San Diego falls on the lower end of a tick problem we lack an off season. The blood sucking parasites find their hosts by sitting on grass or brush and waiting for the host to brush by them, then crawling to the skin so they can burrow their head in and feed.
Since they love to play in grass and brush our pets are easy prey to these little creepy crawlers. The best way to protect your nature loving pet is preventative treatment and you can find many types from natural, topical, pills, etc. Just be sure to research and find what’s best for you and your pets.
If you happen to find a tick on your pet be sure to remove it immediately. Ticks carry diseases that can be harmful even deadly. If you find a tick has already burrowed into your pets skin then you need to carefully remove it.
* Remove other pets that may want your attention as you calm your pet.
* Make sure he is calm and in a comfortable position where you can easily retrieve the tick.
* Put latex gloves on, have a container of rubbing alcohol handy, and tweezers.
DO NOT PUT PETROLEUM JELLY OR RUBBING ALCOHOL ON THE TICK (This may cause the tick to release more diseased saliva into your pet)
* Take the tweezers and connect to the tick closest to the head where it is on the body.
DO NOT SQUEEZE THE BODY OF THE TICK (This can squeeze diseased saliva from the tick into your pets body)
* Once you have a firm grip on the tick, quickly pull out
* Place the tick in the container with the alcohol and put a lid on it. (Save for testing if Tick Borne Symptoms come about, and testing needs to be done)
* Clean the area you just pulled the tick off with a preferred cleaning solution and be aware there may be a red rash or irritation for the next few days. But pay attention to a “bulls-eye type” rash. This would require vet attention immediately.
As a Professional Pet Sitter and Pet CPR & First Aid Instructor I suggest doing a tick check daily especially in peak season or if you’ve been hiking or in tick prone areas. You can include this in your Snout-To-Tail check.
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