Ticks are responsible for the spread of several serious diseases seen in people and pets throughout Washington state. In this post, our Mount Vernon vets explain how these external parasites thrive, and how to keep ticks away from your pets and your family.
What Are Ticks?
Ticks are external parasites that feed on the blood of animals and humans. They do not fly or jump and so rely on hosts (usually, it's wild animals that are responsible for bringing ticks onto your property) for transportation. Once they are on your property, pets frequently become hosts and the parasites are then brought into your home.
Why Should I Be Concerned About Ticks?
Because ticks spread several serious diseases, they are dangerous to both people and pets. People can get serious conditions such as Lyme disease when the tick's saliva—which contains germs and bacteria—makes its way into the bloodstream.
What Do Ticks Look Like In Mount Vernon?
The black-legged tick (also known as the deer tick) is one of the most common tick species found in Mount Vernon and has the dubious distinction of being the species responsible for most cases of Lyme disease in our state.
The black-legged tick is found in wooded, brushy areas and both males and females have flat, oval bodies. While female deer ticks' bodies are about 1/8" in size and orangish-brown (with a reddish-brown colored abdomen that becomes darker after feeding on a host), male deer ticks are roughly 1/16" and reddish-brown overall. They are longer than they are wide, and have sharply pointed, toothed mouthparts you can see clearly from above. Though tick exposure may occur year-round, they are most active during warmer months (April to September).
How Do I Check My Pet For Ticks?
Following even a short walk through the bush or tall grass, be sure to check your dog carefully for ticks. Look deep within your pet's fur, behind and inside the ears, between the legs, around the neck, and between the toes.
Is There A Way To Protect My Pet Against Ticks?
You can use several different methods for getting rid of and preventing ticks on small pets and dogs. Your options include spot-on treatments, oral medications, tick collars, or even using a shampoo containing medicated ingredients to bathe your pet and kill ticks on contact. Speak with your vet to determine the right option for you and your pet.
To help keep ticks away from your yard, it's a good idea to keep your lawn well-trimmed. This will give ticks fewer areas to live and breed, reducing the risk of ticks being around. At the height of tick season, you'll also want to limit the amount of time your pet spends outside.