Beware of ticks! How to protect your dog in any season
Ticks pose a danger all year round, not just in summer. Find out how to properly check your dog after each walk and how to prevent diseases transmitted by these parasites.
Ticks are more active than you think
Many owners associate ticks only with spring and summer. In reality, they can be active almost all year round when temperatures are above freezing.
Even on warmer winter days, there's a risk of infestation, which is why parasite protection should be maintained throughout the year.
Check your dog after every walk
After every outing to the park, forest, or areas with vegetation, it is recommended to carefully check your companion's fur.
Pay special attention to areas where ticks most frequently attach:
- ears;
- neck;
- armpits;
- abdomen;
- groin area;
- spaces between toes.
Brushing the fur immediately after returning home can help remove ticks that have not yet attached to the skin.
Why are they dangerous?
Ticks can transmit pathogens that cause serious diseases.
In dogs, one of the most well-known diseases is babesiosis, a medical emergency that requires rapid diagnosis and treatment.
In humans, certain tick species can transmit Lyme disease and other infections.
What to do if you find a tick?
If you notice a tick attached to your dog's skin, avoid improvised methods such as oil, alcohol, or burning it.
The tick must be removed correctly, using a special device or at a veterinary clinic.
If it's a tick attached to a person's skin and you don't know how to remove it safely, seek medical help.
Prevention is the best protection
Following a regular external deworming schedule is the most effective method of protection.
Your veterinarian can recommend the appropriate option for your companion:
- spot-on pipettes;
- antiparasitic tablets;
- antiparasitic collar;
- special sprays.
Do not interrupt treatment during winter without your veterinarian's recommendation. In Romania, numerous cases of babesiosis are diagnosed even in January and February, when temperatures allow for tick activity.
A few minutes spent checking the fur after each walk can prevent serious illnesses and protect both your companion's health and that of the entire family.
