How to Prevent Ticks on Your Pets

Your furry friend is more than just your pet, they are a member of your family. Knowing how to prevent ticks from getting to your pets is paramount in protecting them.

With ticks being so small and tick bites taking anywhere from 7-21 days to manifest into an illness it can be hard to detect these micro-threats. That is why we have created this simple guide to keep you and your pets tick-free. Let's take a look.

Be Aware

Awareness is key to preventing tick infestation and illness. The wooded areas of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, the Eastern Shore of Maryland, and Delaware are breeding grounds for ticks. Ticks are good at hiding, so never assume that they are not there because you cannot see them.

Here are the spots you should check on your pet regularly:

In and around the ears
Around the eyes
Under the color
Around the toes
Under the legs
Between the back legs

These locations are known to be tick hot spots. Check your pet every time they go outside to prevent ticks from entering the home.

Know the Dangers

Ticks carry a shocking number of diseases. These diseases not only pose a threat to your pet but they also can cause illness to you and your family. In 2017 alone there were over 59,000 cases of Lyme disease.

Lyme disease in dogs can cause debilitating side effects such as arthritis and swelling of the joints. In extreme cases, ticks can also cause anemia and paralysis.

Take Action

You should not have to live in fear due to ticks in your area. Taking action is the best way to take control of the tick problem in your area. Let's look at some ways to keep you and your pet tick-free.

Treat the Yard

Treating your yard is the perfect place to start when it comes to tick prevention. The experts at Viking Pest Control can assess your situation and take action accordingly. The Yard Guard service can be used to target breeding grounds on your property and manage tick infestation at the source. Yard Guard effectively reduces mosquito and tick populations around your yard so you can enjoy your time outside.

Protect Your Pet

Have open communication with your vet about concerns regarding ticks in your area. Your vet will likely recommend a safe oral or topical solution to help prevent ticks on your pet. The medication from the vet in conjunction with yard treatment is the best course of action to defeat ticks.

Stay Updated

Stay updated in your area. Check for new or increasing cases of ticks or tick-related diseases near you.

Many new germs and new species of ticks are being identified regularly. Staying informed will help you make the best choices for you and your pet.