4 Places to look for ticks in adult dogs

Finding ticks in your pet is no easy fete. The thirsty bloodsuckers latch on tightly, particularly if their host has a thick fur. You may not be able to find the ticks by just casually running your hands all over your pet’s body. Even dogs that have the protection of the flea collars and other such preventive measures can still be afflicted with these hateful parasites.

Regular checking of dogs to find the presence of ticks is vital as it keeps them away from deadly diseases. Anaplasmosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Lyme disease and tick paralysis are a few diseases that can be caused due to tick bites.  

Where do I find the presence of ticks?

Ticks make use of their heat sensors to latch onto any warm part in a dog’s body. So, look closely at their head, neck, and ears. Basically, you might find them everywhere. Here are a few areas to help you spot ticks:

1. Groin area – This is the last place where you will be likely to look. But, ticks can easily get stuck around your dog’s butt. So, check the perianal area as ticks get attracted to moist and dark areas. Along with this you must also check your dog’s tail.
2. Between the toes – This is a very clever spot to hide. As they easily get attached between your pet’s toes you need to be extra smart to explore this area and to look between your pet’s toes. If you find ticks then gently grasp and pull it out.
3. Around the ears – Look carefully inside your dog’s ears and especially inside their ear canal. If your dog has long, floppy and deep ears then you should get it cleaned at the vet’s regularly to avoid unwanted ear infections.    
4. Under clothes and collars – If your pet is always wearing a collar then it is easy for you to miss finding ticks on your pet. Usually ticks look for some places for them to neatly hide without being visible to the human eye. So, they can hide under your pet’s color, harness or any sort of clothes that they wear.

How to protect your dog from ticks?

You will need to practice effective tick control programme apart from getting your dog screened by the vet. Apart from this, you need to keep your surrounding clean and hygienic, especially your backyard and your garden. Air your pet’s bedding and blanket in hot sun and groom your pet regularly.

Talk to your vet about an effective tick control programme and the use of flea collars for your pet’s breed and type. Even if your pet has had the Lyme vaccination you need to constantly check them for ticks. Feel your dog from their head to their ears, neck, back and bottom. You must also check between their toes and their tummy. It does not have to be dull and boring, make this a fun session by cuddling and treating them for good behaviour.

It is always a good idea to contact the vet for their professional advice.

Happy Parenting!