Tick Season Tips for North Dakota & Montana Pet Owners
A Personal Wake-Up Call
I recently experienced an unsettling event while I was dog sitting. Twice during the weekend, a tick transferred from the dog to me. I’m really lucky I caught them before they latched on.
Ticks Can Affect Humans and Pets
When ticks are crawling on you after pet contact, it means the dog or cat likely picked them up outside and brought them in before they had a chance to bite either of you. And yes, cats CAN get ticks too.
According to Pet MD, tick bites can cause infection, abscesses, paralysis, and even death. Ticks can also carry a variety of diseases, some of which can spread to people.
How to Protect Pets from Ticks
Use Tick Prevention Treatments
Talk to your vet to choose the right product based on your pet's size, health, and lifestyle. Options include topical treatments, oral medications and tick collars.
Check Your Pet Daily
Check behind ears, under the collar, around the tail, between toes, and under legs. Especially after walks, hikes, or time outdoors. If you do find a tick, remove it with fine-tipped tweezers or a tick remover tool. Grab close to the skin and pull straight out gently.
Keep Your Yard Tick-Free
Mow the lawn regularly, and remove leaf litter, tall grasses, and brush around your home. Use pet-safe tick control products in your yard if needed.
Avoid Tick Hotspots
Stay on trails and avoid tall grasses or wooded areas and consider tick protective clothing for dogs when hiking or camping.
Regular Vet Visits
Keep your pet’s tick prevention up to date. Watch for symptoms of tick-borne illnesses like lethargy, loss of appetite, or limping.
Stay Vigilant
Tick season can be a pain - literally. Protecting pets from ticks is important, especially in warmer months and in areas where ticks are common. Check to see North Dakota and Montana's risk levels here.
(Read More: How to Enjoy North Dakota Outdoors While Avoiding Ticks)
Check out these 50 fascinating facts about dogs:
Gallery Credit: Linda Lombardi