Let’s be honest, ticks are gross.  They can carry and transmit disease by attaching to a host and feeding on their blood.  We hear about diseases that humans can contract from ticks in the news all of the time, but our canine friends are definitely not immune to these gross arachnids.  Lyme disease, rocky mountain spotted fever, and babesiosis are three diseases that can be transmitted to our furry friends.  Transmission can occur in as little as 36 to 48 hours after a tick attaches to its host.

According to Deschutes County, there are approximately 20 species of ticks that live in Central Oregon.  They are most active in the spring, early summer, and fall.  They often live in forested or bushy areas; this can include backyards, hiking trails, camping areas, and parks.

To reduce the chances that your dog will contract a tick, it is recommended that you check your dog for ticks daily.  This can be done my brushing your pet and examining their skin closely (especially after spending any time outdoors- including in the backyard). If you find an engorged tick, be sure to carefully remove it.  To detach a tick, part your dog’s fur.  Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.  Slowly pull straight upwards to detach the tick’s mouth from the skin.

There are many great preventatives available to help protect your dog from ticks while enjoying our beautiful backyard in the summertime.  Give us a call today to determine which product is the best option for your pet’s lifestyle.