Ticks are the silent predators of the dog world – tiny, blood-sucking parasites that attach themselves to your dog’s body and feed on its blood. Their small size reflects the danger they pose, as these pests often carry diseases that can compromise your furry friend’s health.
Think winter gives you a break from ticks? Not really. In milder climates, ticks remain active, hiding in warm, wooded areas, ready to attack. According to Carnivale’s business head JS Rama Krishna, the most common ticks in India include Rhipicephalus sanguineus (brown dog tick), Ixodes hexagonus (castor bean tick), and Dermacentor species. As cold weather slows down their activity, they continue to hide in the dark, cozy corners of your home.
These blood-sucking parasites can transmit many diseases to you dear friend, from Lyme disease to tick paralysis, and from tick-borne fever to ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, and anaplasmosis. These infections often manifest in your dog with symptoms such as fever, lethargy, joint pain, and in severe cases, organ failure if left untreated.
Ticks appear as small, round or oval-shaped parasites that attach to your dog’s skin. They often look like black, swollen bumps. (Source – Pexels)
“Ticks appear as small, round, or oval-shaped parasites that attach to your dog’s skin. They often look like black, swollen bumps. Check your dogFor ticks on the ears, neck, armpits, and between the toes, these areas are more likely to harbor them,” Krishna said.
Preventive measures and treatment
Ideally, dogs should be checked for ticks after every walk, especially when walking in grassy or wooded areas. “Ticks can attach within hours, so frequent checkups are essential to prevent potential tick-borne illnesses and remove them promptly,” Krishna said.
Once you see a tick, it’s recommended to remove it immediately “using fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and gently pull without twisting,” Krishna said. Clean the area with an antiseptic and watch for signs of infection.
If you notice signs of infection such as lethargy, or fever, or your the dog If the food starts to stop, consult your veterinarian as soon as possible. If problems persist, the vet can guide you to use anti-tick solutions.
These may include various spot-on treatments, tick collars, oral medications, and sprays. However, it is important to consult with your veterinarian to assess your dog’s specific needs based on your dog’s health, breed and lifestyle.
Some pet owners opt for natural tick repellants such as diluted essential oils (lavender, eucalyptus, citronella) or apple cider vinegar spray. “These methods may not be as effective as chemical treatments. Always consult your veterinarian before trying them,” Krishna said.
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