It's summer in Lakewood once again.
Time when we venture forth from our houses and apartments are reminded why the north coast is not our country least coast. We head out and explore our great green necklace of forest around our cities. But an enemy waits patiently for our invasion. Thirsty for our very blood and armed with a germ warfare arsenal not to be mocked.
Today we face the tick.
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Ticks are very small, ¼ inch a that most. They primarily live on the ground. Ticks will climb tall grass and weeds to reach a height to latch onto potential hosts. Unable to jump or fly, ticks must come in direct contact with your dog to board him.
They will then wander around a bit till they find a nice spot like the scalp, neck or any nook on the dog. A tick can suck blood for up to four days while expanding to larger, rounder darker version of its normal self. It then drops off.
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There are many types of prevention, all work for the most part. You can use organic alternatives like garlic or apple cider vinegar. Unfortunately, in too large of a dose garlic can cause anemia and the vinegar can cause health issues as well.
Your primary duty is to make sure you are using one on your dog. Any of these preventions are not 100% effective. If you have taken your dog into an area where ticks may reside, that being anywhere that animals with ticks could wander with taller plants, you need to check your dog over for ticks on a regular basis. Rub your hand over your dog's skin feeling for small bumps ranging in size from grain of salt to a large marble.
If you find a tick you or your veterinarian will have to remove it. It is preferred if you put on rubber gloves to protect yourself. Take tweezers as close to the skin as possible and gently remove the tick without crushing or breaking the tick. If a part of it is left in the skin it could cause infection.
On a happier note, it should take a day or two to infect your dog, as long as you pay attention, your dog should be safe. I have included a picture of a local variety of ticks provided by the CDC.
Have fun out there! Make sure you and your furry family member enjoy every drop of that sunshine coming down. Just remember these three things: One, carry plenty of water. Two check for ticks afterward. Three remember neither of you will want to be outside in 6 months, so make the most of it now!