Keeping Ticks Under Control

Ticks, a species of arachnid, feed on blood and can transmit serious illnesses such as Lyme disease and tick fever to pets and people. They also cause skin irritation, and if an infestation gets out of control, anemia could occur.

To manage ticks, ask your vet about treatments designed to be applied monthly to an area the pet cannot reach by licking (usually, the skin between the shoulder blades). Such treatments kill ticks within hours of contact with the pet's coat.

Because ticks also live and lay eggs in places such as fields, under rocks and in crevices, treat surroundings, furniture, and pet bedding occasionally with a pet- and human-safe insecticide. After taking dogs on walks, check thoroughly to make sure no parasites have attached themselves.

Whenever you find a tick, regardless of its size - whether it is one of the small reddish-brown ones or a bloated, grayish one - do not squeeze or crush it. This may release its eggs and any viruses it is carrying into the environment.

Do not listen to people who tell you to kill ticks with hot matches. You may accidentally burn your pet instead. Some advise removing attached ticks by killing them with a pyrethrin spray, then picking the dead ticks off with tweezers; others just pull them out. However, the latter method often means that the tick's mouthparts remain embedded in the pet's skin, irritating it.

After removal, clean the bite and apply antiseptic cream.