Tick Invasion- What You Can Do For Your Dog

It’s that time of the year again, here is some information you need to know.

Most people know that it’s important to stay away from ticks. Part of the reason for this is that they can carry many different diseases. What people might not be aware of is that ticks are multiplying in number all across the United States.

Experts agree that as the number of ticks in the world increases so do the chances that your dog will be infected with the diseases ticks carry. This is a very scary thing for those who love their pet and don’t want to see anything bad happen.

One reason that many more ticks are popping up is because woods and farmland are being developed. This leaves ticks with nowhere to go but on your poor pup. Another reason for the increase in ticks is because of global warming. Ticks like this new, warmer climate.

In fact, the warm climate means that whereas ticks would be almost nonexistent at some points during the year they are incredibly prevalent during other parts of the year. These days they are around all year long in some locations. That means that certain diseases are around all year long as well.

These changes in climate are not just affecting dogs. It is also changing the way that birds migrate. People are taking advantage of the warmer weather by taking the whole family, and their dogs outside. This means more exposure to blood sucking ticks.

Ticks can carry many different diseases. One of the most common is Lyme’s disease. Deer ticks often carry Lyme’s. Other diseases to lookout for are Mountain Spotted Fever, and Canine Ehrliciosis.

When ticks start their life they are larvae. This larvae hatches from eggs and then they want to find a host to attach to. Some of the first hosts are rats. These larvae then fall of, feeding on the decay on the ground. After the larvae are ready it will become a nymph and try to feed from a smaller animal. Finally, it is ready for more as an adult.

For this reason there are many deer that are affected. In fact, deer are a main reason that there are so many ticks. These animals give the ticks the blood they need to thrive.

There is not much you can do about the increasing tick population but there are things you can do to protect your pet. Veterinarians recommended using tick protection year round for your dog. It is a good thing that many heartworm medications also prevent ticks. Make sure you double check because you don’t want to take any chances.

The number of ticks in the United States is rising all the time. The best thing for you to do is to keep your dog safe. Check yourself and your dog thoroughly and you’ll be doing all you can to protect against ticks.