It’s tick season and here at Paws2Rescue, we want to make sure our Paws family stays happy and healthy when playing out in the summer. Ticks like to hang out in places with lots of vegetation, like woods, parks and long grass, so it’s worth giving your dog a check-over after every green space walk. Pay close attention to spots like around their ears, neck, armpits, groin, and between their toes, all those spots ticks find particularly tasty. Ticks can be quite tiny, so feel for any unusual bumps or lumps. If you do find a tick on your dog, try to remove it as soon as possible. Grasp the tick as close to your dog’s skin as possible and pull it out steadily without twisting. Make sure to get the entire tick out to avoid any parts being left behind, which could cause an infection.
Hopefully, these steps will prevent any problems, but to be extra cautious, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your dog for signs of tick-borne diseases. Watch for things like lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, or lameness. If you notice anything unusual, it’s best to make an appointment with your vet right away.
By following these steps, you can help keep your Paws dog safe and happy and enjoying the summer.