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Ticks: The Problematic Parasite

Facts About Ticks

Ticks are small blood-sucking parasites related to spiders. Anyone who spends time in the great outdoors knows about the threat of disease-carrying ticks to dogs and their owners.

Quick tick facts:

  • Ticks wait in the brush or tall grass for a host to latch onto. Once attached they can go unnoticed for several days.
  • After feeding, an engorged female falls off to lay 3,000-6,000 eggs!
  • Ticks can be transported to residential areas by mammals like raccoons, squirrels, deer or mice.
  • Severe tick infestations can cause anemia, weight loss, paralysis and even death.
  • Ticks are found in every state in the United States.

Finding and Removing Ticks

To prevent serious tick issues, always check your dog and yourself for ticks when you return from areas with long grass, forests and shrubs. Remember that ticks can be as small as a pencil point or as large as a bean.

If you find a tick attached to your pet’s skin, don’t panic. Although it doesn’t necessarily mean disease, it is important to remove the tick properly. All parts of the tick need to be removed to avoid risk of infection. If you have never removed a tick properly, or you tear the tick during removal, visit your veterinary clinic for help.

How to Remove Ticks from Dogs

step by step instructions on how to safely remove a tick from a dog

yellow lab laying on couch

Flea & Ticks Resources

Keep Fleas & Ticks Off Your Dog

FLEAS

Fleas are tiny pests that can create big problems for your pet. Get the facts, learn how to check for fleas and find the best treatment options for your dog.

References:

  1. Blagburn BL, Dryden MW. Biology, treatment, and control of flea and tick infestations. Vet Clin N Am Small Anim Pract. 2009;39(6):1173-1200.
  2. Dryden M, Rust M. The cat flea: biology, ecology and control. Vet Parasitol. 1994;52:1-19.
  3. Data on file, Merck Animal Health
  4. Guerino F, Qureshi T, Hair J, Young D, Fiourie J. Indoxacarb Kills Developing Stages of Fleas in the Environment of Treated Cats. Presented at the WSAVA/FECAVA/BSAVA World Congress. 12-15 April 2012. Birmingham, UK.
  5. Frontline® is a registered trademark of Merial.
  6. Dryden MW, et al. Parasites & Vectors. 2013;6:126.