There's Danger Out There: 4 Tips For Protecting Your Dog From Lyme Disease
Posted on: 26 April 2015
If your dog spends any time outdoors, you're probably interested in finding ways to protect it from tick bites, which can spread Lyme disease. Spending a great deal of time outside can increase the risk of tick exposure. Luckily, you don't have to limit the amount of outdoor activities you and your dog enjoy. If you live in a region of the country that is populated with deer ticks – the most common carrier of Lyme disease – a veterinarian, like Beaver Lake Animal Hospital, can provide your dog with a vaccination that will protect against the disease. There are also some precautions that you can take at home to protect your dog from Lyme disease.
Inspect After Each Outdoor Activity
Each time you return from an outdoor activity, you should spend about 15 minutes inspecting your dog. This is especially important if your activities have included a trip to the woods. The inspection should include the neck, ears, tail and belly of your dog. Pay particular attention to areas that your dog may be itching. Inspecting your dog after each outing will allow you to catch ticks before they have a chance to really sink in.
Remove All Ticks
Before you reach in and grab those ticks, make sure you're doing it correctly. You don't want to just grab at the body. In most cases, you'll pull the body off but the head will remain embedded in your dog. Dab a small amount of olive oil on the tick (which will cause the tick to loosen its grip) and then firmly grasp the head with a pair of tweezers. Pull the tweezers back and remove the tick. Be sure to throw the tick away immediately.
Invest In a Tick Comb
Flea and tick combs should be a part of your dog grooming kit. Each time you groom your dog, take a few minutes to run the flea and tick comb through your dog's coat. The best time to use the comb is right after your dog comes in from a walk outside.
Spritz with Vinegar
Vinegar is a natural way to keep fleas and ticks off your dog. All you need to do is fill a spray bottle with water and add ½ cup of vinegar. Spritz your dog with the solution once a day and comb it in. Allow the solution to dry before you send your dog outside.
You want to protect your dog from Lyme disease. You don't have to keep it inside to protect it. Use these simple steps to help keep your dog healthy. If your dog has been bitten by a tick and shows signs of fever, lameness, or pain, contact an animal hospital as soon as possible.
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