Our beloved cats and dogs love playing outside just as much as we do and, just like us, they are susceptible to picking up the odd tick every now and again. Therefore, after your pet has finished playing outside, you should check them over thoroughly as ticks carry the nasty illness known as Lyme disease.
Dr. Lee Herold, from DoveLewis Emergency Animal Hospital, says: “Ideally, pets should be checked for ticks anytime they’ve been outside, especially if they’ve been out hiking or walking in wooded areas or tall grass. Over the past three decades, cases of Lyme disease have increased and spread across the U.S., meaning vigilance during spring, summer, and fall will be key to your pet’s health.”
Ticks can hide in your pet’s fur, especially if they have a thick coat. To do a thorough check, run gloved-fingers over the top of their head and all over their body so that you can feel if there are any tiny bumps.
You will want to pay extra attention to the parts of your pet that generate the most heat as ticks love warm places. So, this means their tail, chin, face, between their toes, the inside of their ears, and armpits.
If you feel a bump, you’ll know it’s a tick feeding on your pet if you see a tick butt sticking out – it will usually be brown or black in color. If the tick is engorged with blood, it will be a light gray color. You should remove the tick immediately and dispose of it properly in order to keep you and your pets safe.
1. Put on a pair of gloves so that your skin does not come into contact with the tick. Next, take a pair of tweezers, hold them horizontally, and grab the tick up as close to your pet’s skin as you can without hurting your pet.
2. Pull the tick straight up and try to remove it in one swift motion. Try not to move, jerk, or twist the tweezers when you’re removing the tick as this could lead to parts of the tick being left in your pet.
3. Some people like to flush the tick down the toilet or burn it with a lighter once it has been removed. However, some vets recommend that you place the tick in a plastic baggie or clean empty pill bottle and bring it to your vet so that it can be identified and tested should your pet start to show signs of tick-borne illness.
4. Place some rubbing alcohol or iodine rinse on the bite to disinfect it.
N.B. If your pet starts to show lameness, lethargy, and loss of appetite, you should report it to your vet immediately.
Source: shareably
Images: depositphotos
Cows are the Cutest, But This One is Something Special
He acts just like one of the family dogs! And the best part? They're all best buddies!
The Incredible Beauty of Horses in Stunning Photography
Many beautiful horse breeds have been developed over the course of the centuries, but some are more beautiful than others... Take a look.
This Crow Has Got Some Attitude and We're Lovin' it!
Everything about this crow is human except the fact he's a crow. And yes, that DOES mean he's talking!
Have You Ever Seen Animals As Bizarre As These?
These animals will shatter any stereotypical notion of what, say, a pig, or a turtle, should look like. Here are 15 animals you've probably never seen before.
This Video Presents Some Dramatic Undersea Moments
Take a look at some breathtaking underwater moments from all over the world.
If You Have a Mouse Problem, This is How to Get Rid of It
If you have a mouse in your house there are many great (and humane) ways to get rid of it. Here are 6 of them.
Discover: Who Are the Most Successful Inventors in History?
If you love inventions and history, you'll find this post fascinating!
Here Are the Top Ten Uses for Baking Soda
This video demonstrates how to use baking soda to solve a number of daily problems!
Remove Blackheads From Your Skin Using These Sure Methods
Blackheads make our skin look terrible when it can easily look nice. Here are 6 efficient ways to rid yourself of those black dots right at home!
11 Mistakes Any DIY-er Should Avoid
Before you begin your long awaited project, take a look at these common DIY mistakes and make sure you’re not making any of them along the way.
How Waking Up at 5.30am Will Change Your Life!
Find out how waking up at 5.30am will have a positive impact on your life.
What an Amazing Laundry Whitening Solution This Is!
It's always hard to get stains from white fabrics, isn't it? Not any more! Check out this brilliant whitening solution for your laundry you can make at home!
How to DEEP CLEAN Your Windshield Perfectly
Clean windshields are not just nice to looks at but also important for your safety! So if it's time to give your windshield a scrub, check out these important tips.
4000 Years of History in One Glorious Map
In one incredible map we see thousands of years of history.
Learn 10 Simple Tricks For Regaining Control Of Your Body!
We've all experienced laughing when inappropriate, crying uncontrollably, and even annoying hiccups. With these 10 tricks, you'll be able to regain control!
How to Increase Water Pressure in Your Shower: 9 Tips
Is the water pressure really slow in your shower? Here’s what you should do to improve it.
6 Simple and Practical Tips To Organize Your Kitchen
A well organized kitchen is the first step to a gratifying cooking experience
24 Simple But Genius Hanger Tricks to Use at Home!
Find out the many wonderful and useful tricks you can use a regular old hanger for!
Hate Cough Syrup? This Home Remedy Works Even Better!
This natural home remedy for a bad cough is just as effective as cough syrup!
7 Cleaning Mistakes Most of Us Still Make
All of these 7 cleaning mistakes are extremely common, and what’s worse, all of them can completely ruin your hard work while cleaning
Did You Know? Your Pillow Might Be Ruining Your Sleep
Your pillow could affecting your sleep. This article will give advice on when to change your pillow, the best sized pillow and tips for buying a new pillow.
10 Wise Plumbing Tips From a Professional Plumber
Here are ten brilliant tips that can save you heaps of time and money when you've got plumbing problems at home.
I Usually Wake Up 3 A.M. to Pee. What's The Reason?
Do you find yourself waking up at around 3 a.m. every other night to pee? There’s a reason for it.
If You Have a Mouse Problem, This is How to Get Rid of It
If you have a mouse in your house there are many great (and humane) ways to get rid of it. Here are 6 of them.
This is How You Should Be Storing Your Groceries!
This fantastic guide will help you store all your groceries in the smartest way possible.
Wasting Time: 5 Misconceptions About Time That Delay Us
How to use our time in a way that will help us to bring happiness and success.
Dog Walking Tips and Tricks Everyone Should Know
Discover these effective tips and tricks for the perfect dog-walking routine.
This Special Kind of Bread is Both Beautiful and Delicious
Tired of regular bread? How about surprising everyone with this beautiful and delicious "Watermelon Bread"? It's so easy to make!
Beware! NEVER Put These Things on Your Credit Card
Credit cards might be convenient but there are some cases where you should avoid using them.
12 Indoor Gardening Hacks You Must Know
Even if you can’t say about yourself that you have a green thumb, you can try yourself with indoor gardening, and these 12 tips will help
Why You Need to Avoid Palm Oil Right Away
Palm oil is harmful to the environment. Here's what to do about it.
13 Daily Objects We Could Be Using Better
You probably think you know how to use most of these objects already. Don't worry, all of us thought the same...
I’ve Found a Natural Remedy for Those Red Bumps on the Skin
A natural remedy to erasing those red bumps that appear on your arms without visiting the dermatologist. You only need to ingredients, which are easily found at the grocery store.
12 Words You Probably Didn't Know Were Acronyms
Without even realizing it, we are frequently incorporating many acronyms into our everyday lives!
50 Culinary Tips That'll Make You a Kitchen Master!
50 great little culinary tips and tricks you can print and hang in the kitchen!
This Is How You Can Quickly Get out of a Sinking Car
If you ever find yourself in a sinking car, this is how you can escape. This video could one day save your life.
Cutting These Things In Half Did Wonders For My Wallet...
Cutting the amount of certain things you use in half is an excellent exercise in frugality. Furthermore, you'll save money. Here are 10 things to cut in half.
24 Zip Tie Hacks That'll Make Your Life Much Easier
Zip ties have an array of different uses. The following 24 zip tie uses will change your life for the better.
If You’re Taking Apple Cider Vinegar, You Must Know This
There is a right and wrong way to take apple cider vinegar, and doing so incorrectly may not just be ineffective, it could be harmful to your health.
A Must Have Kitchen Cheat Sheet to Help With Any Recipe!
Simple fact sheets that will turn any cooking job easier to understand.
Your Toothpaste Can Be More Harmful Than You Think
Stop using toothpaste that fills your body with nasty chemicals, and try making one of these natural versions instead.
Do You Know Why Wedding Rings Are Worn On the 4th Finger?
There's a specific reason why we all wear our wedding rings on our fourth fingers, and this informative video will explain the tradition behind it.
Scratched Furniture or Shoes? It's Pretty Simple to Fix...
Here's how to get scratches out of any surface in your home.
Salt Has Many More Uses & Benefits Than You Ever Imagined
Salt has been in use for thousands of years, and also happens to have thousands of uses. Here's a selection of them that you probably weren't aware of before.
Solve Your Everyday Problems with These Time Saving Tips
This handy list of hacks will make your life easier and is budget-friendly. You'll be surprised to discover what you can do with these everyday objects.
What Does Your Handwriting Say About You?
These graphology tips will help you figure out what your handwriting says about you.
We All Have Aspirin - And Here Are 9 Things to Use It For
Aspirin is about as pedestrian a pill as you can think of - or so you might think! In reality it has loads of surprising uses. Here are 9 of the best.