What are ticks ?
Ticks are blood-sucking parasites that attach to the skin causing discomfort to your pets. There are many species of ticks which include the popular, Brown Dog Tick called Rhipicephalus sanguineus , Dermacentor viriabilis which is the American Dog Tick, and Ixodes species, the Deer Tick .
Ticks serve as vectors of diseases such as Ehrlichiosis, Mountain Spotted Fever, Babesiosis, Lyme Disease. They can also cause a condition called Tick Paralysis. Tick paralysis or tick-bite paralysis is a condition that occurs during a tick infestation whereby toxins are released into the blood of an infested animal through the saliva of a feeding tick. These toxins leads to a loss of voluntary movement.
How can we prevent and control tick infestation
Ticks can be prevented and controlled using the methods below.
TOPICAL REPELLANTS such as Frontline can be applied to the skin of the dog. These provide an effective measure against ticks, killing and repelling them. They are also safe for use on pets.
DIPS refered to by most Nigerians as "Tick chemicals", are Acaracides that provide an effective tick control method. They are often concentrated chemicals that are mixed with water and then sponged onto your dog. Make sure your dog's face is protected and prevent him from licking his body until the chemical dries off.This is to prevent organophosphate poisoning, as a result of using cheap dips.
Click here to learn more about organophosphate poisoning. You should dip at least every two weeks so that your dogs remain tick free all the time. Do not rinse off the dip.
TICK SPRAYS also work effectively against ticks.They provide residual protection and also prevent tick eggs from hatching. Sprays can be used inbetween dipping sessions. Common tick sprays in Nigeria include Frontline spray and Canovel spray.
TICK SHAMPOOS are also effective against adult ticks, and assist in cleaning eggs and dirt from the coat.They however do not provide residual activity or effectiveness against tick eggs. In order to achieve best results, tick shampoos must be used along with dips or topical repellants. TICK COLLARS, also serve to repel ticks and kill ticks present on your dog's body. They should however be used as a combination with other tick control regimens. Other tick control measures include the use of TICK POWDERS, SPOT ON, POUR ON, etc. All these drugs are applied topically and help to keep your pet tick free. Make sure you always read the label before using any product.Also conduct your vet to make sure a product is safe, before you use it.
USE OF TICK SPRAYS for the yard and compound, is a compulsory control method especially in cases of severe tick infestation.Imagine getting rid of ticks and then forgetting to rid the dog house, and fences of ticks. That will almost be equated to taking a clean bath and then going to sit in a big waste truck. This means, if you have a severe tick infestation, then you will have to spray your compound with acaracides. Consult your local veterinarian and request for a fumigation exercise. Your vet may then link you up with a hired professional exterminator .The exercise will be repeated after 2 weeks to kill the imature stages of the ticks that would have hatched by then. Make sure you keep your dogs away from freshly sprayed areas until they are dry, to prevent organophosphate poisoning. Organophosphate poisoning is very deadly and you should immediately take your dog to the Veterinarian if you suspect that he may have ingested any poisonous material.
NOTE : Always make sure you check your dog for the presence of ticks ,especially after a walk in a woody or bushy area. Let your vet also examine your pet for ticks during each vet visit.
When controlling ticks, ensure all the pets in your household are treated for tick infestation, otherwise they will serve as reservoir to infest the pets that have already been treated.