Watch Out for Ticks and How to Protect Your Dog This Summer

As urban sprawl continues into what was once rural areas and farmland dogs are becoming more exposed to ticks. Global warming is having an affect on the rising numbers of ticks as well. The real problem with a warmer climate is in many areas ticks are active year round now due to the lack or climate changes.

People spend more time outside in the areas where there are ticks which increases the odds your dog could get ticks. When you add the changing patterns of kmigrating birds you have one more way ticks can be transferred to your dog.

Ticks have been implemented in carrying dozens of diseases. The most common ones known to dog owners are Canine Ehrliciosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and Lyme's disease,

Ticks are hatch from eggs know as larvae. Once the larvae hatch from eggs they start looking for a place to live and that is often rodents. After the larvae feed off the rodents, they fall off and live on the forest floor feeding off decaying material and molt into nymphs, and then seek another blood meal from a small animal.

For humans deer are a common carrier of ticks. Deer are one of the main causes of a thriving tick population. If we didn't have deer we wouldn't have as big of a problem with ticks as we do.

Deer were heading towards extinction in the early part of the last century, but due to restrictions on hunting their numbers are increasing, hence we have an increase in the number of ticks.

Due to this increasing problem with ticks and disease most veterinarians are now recommending year around tick protection for dogs. Most common heartworm medications also prevent fleas and ticks so chances are your dog may already be protected against ticks but you should check with your veterinarian to be sure.

This gives you the lifestyle of a tick. It is up to you to protect your dog. If you have been in an area where ticks are likely to be found be sure to check yourself and your dog out. If you find a tick or think your dog might have one see your vet immediately. It is an easy thing treat and get your dog back to their normal self.