Ticks on Dogs | Aussie Pooch

Tick season is here early this year so make sure you pooch is protected and give them regular inspections. Daily is best!

Removing a tickTo check for ticks run your fingers slowly over your dog’s entire body. If you feel a bump or swollen area, check to see if a tick has burrowed there. Don’t limit your search to your dog’s torso: check between his toes, under his armpits, the insides of his ears, and around his face and chin.

To remove an attached tick, use a pair of fine-tipped tweezers or special tick removal instruments. These special devices allow one to remove the tick without squeezing the tick body. This is important as you do not want to crush the tick and force harmful bacteria to leave the tick and enter your pet’s bloodstream.

1. Grab the tick by the head or mouth parts right where they enter the skin. Do not grasp the tick by the body.


2. Without jerking, pull firmly and steadily directly outward. Do not twist the tick as you are pulling.


3. Using methods such as applying petroleum jelly, a hot match, or alcohol will NOT cause the tick to ‘back out.’ In fact, these irritants may cause the tick to deposit more disease-carrying saliva in the wound.


4. After removing the tick, place it in a bag with a tick killer, you may need to keep it for further identification.


5. Clean the bite wound with a disinfectant.


6. Wash your hands thoroughly.

Please do not use your uncovered fingers to remove or dispose of the tick. We do not want you in contact with a potentially disease-carrying tick. Do NOT squash the tick with your fingers. The contents of the tick can transmit disease.

Once an embedded tick is manually removed, it is not uncommon for a welt and skin reaction to occur. It may take a week or more for healing to take place. In some cases, the tick bite may permanently scar leaving a hairless area. This skin irritation is due to a reaction to tick saliva.

It is best to always consult your local Vet once a tick has been found. Remember that prevention is always better then a cure. Talk to your local Aussie Pooch Mobile operator for preventative products for your pooch.

1300 369 369 / Visit our Website /Like us on Facebook

It’s that time of year again. The tick season has begun and you really need to start thinking about tick treatments, if you haven’t already, because paralysis ticks can cause serious illness and even kill your pets. 

Paralysis ticks are found on the eastern seaboard, from North Queensland to Victoria.  And although they are common near the coastline they can also be found inland in suitable habitats.

In the northern areas, ticks can be a problem all year round, but become particularly active as the warmer weather begins. Whereas, in more southern areas, the tick season lasts from Spring until late Autumn.

PARALYSIS TICK CONTROL TIPS

Avoid tick habitats

• E.g. bush and scrubland

Search pets every day

• Use fingertips to search through the coat thoroughly

Remove collars, leads or harnesses and check your entire pet

• Remember to look between toes and in armpits

Be systematic

• Start at the nose and carefully examine the face and ears before working backwards

Most ticks are found forward of the front legs

• Search this area carefully, particularly paying special attention to skin folds

Remove ticks as soon as they are found and keep on searching in case there are more

• Consult your local veterinarian for advice

If you own a dog or cat, there are several signs of tick toxicity you should be aware of.

Signs can include:

• Loss of control of back legs (wobbly or not being able to get up)
• Change in voice or bark
• Retching, coughing or vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Paralysis extending to front legs
• Laboured or rapid breathing

NOTE: signs often do not appear until the paralysis tick has been attached for three to five days. Not all signs will be present in all pets. Many of these signs can be confused with other ailments, causing some pet owners to delay visits to their local veterinarian.

If your pet shows signs, it may need veterinary attention so it’s important to see your veterinarian as soon aspossible. Sadly, delay in the removal of paralysis ticks or in the treatment of tick toxicity can result in death.

The most important things to do to help protect your pet from paralysis ticks are to check your pet for ticks every day and to apply an effective paralysis tick control product like FRONTLINE PLUS  every two weeks for dogs, or FRONTLINE  SPRAY every three weeks for cats.

It is especially important to not miss any tick treatments, as if you do your pet may not be protected from paralysis ticks. A great way to remember to treat your pet is to sign up for free sms or email reminders at www.frontlineplus.com.au

You can find more information, tips and hints by going to www.AussiePoochMobile.com.au