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Tick Bite Prevention For Dogs On Beaches

2016/5/4 10:08:27

Dogs on beaches is a wonderful activity for the family to engage in, but you need to make sure that your dog is safe from the dangers posed by parasitic ticks when you're out. These tips are good advice not only for beaches, but for any outdoor adventures. Remember that ticks carry deadly diseases, and are a serious threat to everyone, pets and people alike.

1. Ticks live in wooded areas and run down places. Anywhere that the grass is not cut frequently, ticks could be lurking. A tick can climb up an unsuspecting pet's leg, or fall from an overhanging tree, so always be alert for any tall grasses or wooded areas. The beach itself should be relatively free of ticks, but the surrounding dunes will be filled with them. Keep your dog close to you to make sure that she doesn't disturb the fragile dune ecosystems or get herself exposed to these dangers.

2. Remember that flea treatments may not take care of ticks as well. You should have a talk with your vet before you plan your summer activities and make sure that your pet is protected from ticks, as well as other common problems like heart worm. Make sure that all of your pet's vaccinations are updated before any trip away from home.

3. Make sure that your pet's fur is kept short and tangle free. Before leaving for vacation, consider trimming your dog's fur to an inch or shorter. This will not only keep your pet cooler while you're on the beach, but will make it's easier for you to find and remove ticks in a safe manner. Your dog may look funny with such short hair but they will appreciate their trim in the heat of a summer's day.

4. After every outing, take the time to groom your pet thoroughly. Use a wire brush to go through every inch of their fur, combing it out while looking for ticks that have gotten into their skin. This will also serve as excellent bonding time with your pet. * Should you find a tick, don't panic about its presence. You don't want to frighten your dog. Carefully remove the tick without coming into direct contact with it. Tweezers or gloves should be used to protect yourself. If the tick isn't attached, remove it carefully. If it is attached, take your dog to a vet immediately to have it safely removed. Either way, save the tick in a bottle or container. Should your pet become ill, the vet will need to have access to the tick to determine whether it is the culprit or not and to decide on the best course of treatment.

For more expert tips on how to have a great time with dogs on beaches, and practical information on travelling with your best fur friend, go to http://www.takeyourpet.com.au-- your one-stop-shop for pet-friendly advice on the road.