You may have heard that the tick populations have been booming over the past several years. That’s one sector we did not want to see growth in. Ticks can carry dangerous diseases, such as Lyme disease, which can make both people and pets very sick. Here in Texas, we reluctantly share space with several ticks, including the Brown dog tick, Deer tick, and, of course, the Lone Star tick. A HoustonHeights, TX vet offers some advice on keeping your pooch tick-free in this article.
First and foremost, be sure to keep up with your furry friend’s parasite control products. There are many different types available, ranging from oral medications to topical drops. Ask your vet about the various options, so you can determine which is best for you and your pet. (Note: You should never buy these products at discount retailers. Always go through your vet.)
It will also help to make your home as inhospitable to ticks as possible. Keeping your lawn neatly mowed will go a long way here. You’ll also need to pick up debris, such as fallen branches and dead leaves. These things make ideal tick habitats!
Good landscaping can help quite a bit! Keep brushes trimmed, so they don’t touch the walls of your house. If you have a garden and/or fruit trees, be diligent about picking up fallen produce. If you put up birdfeeders, hang them away from the house. These things can attract wild animals, such as birds and rats, that can also carry ticks.
Ticks don’t like being out in the open, and they hate direct sunlight. Trimming branches back will let more light into your property, which can help make it less appealing to them. You can also put a three-foot wide gravel path around your property. Many ticks will turn back at these borders.
We also recommend checking your canine companion over daily. It’s especially important if you have taken Fido into fields or wooded areas. Look between his furry toes and beneath his collar. Work in plenty of ear scritches and belly rubs. If you do find one of the little beasts attached, carefully remove it using tweezers or a tick popper. Be sure to get the whole thing!
Does your pet need parasite control? Contact us, your Houston Heights, TX animal clinic, today!