So how do you find them on black teenage wriggly pups? I've just come back from the north of Scotland knowing that there would be ticks around. I frontlined Mackie before we went (vet's advice), so the ticks would die on biting him, and took the green tick hooks with me, but I have no idea how you actually find them on him? (The only one's I've ever dealt with have been on me, and were the size of a pin-head.) Since they'll be dead now, will they just brush out? I have to brush him pretty often because he's got an unusually long coat (lab x GR). Any help/advice gratefully received!
Luna's first tick was MASSIVE!! and in the ruff below her neck, above her chest - I freaked! Vet removed for me!
Vet had told me Stronghold covered everything - I've learnt to read instructions since then and frontline Luna regularly now.
As for finding them on a wiggly black lab - I have a thinish comb (not as thin as flea comb) and used to regularly use it on Luna more as training rather than need - got a tick squashed inbetween the prongs - literally! You have to check head of the tick complete and not left in - was lucky this time as it was and I had no idea where abouts on her it had been trying to attach! If you run your hands over body and legs you'll get used to what is normal and notice when not. The ticks Luna has had have been bright white so show through her fur like a beacon! I always check between her pads regularly - for grass seed and ticks too.
TIP: My wiggly black lab always lets me check her over when she's just about to slip off into dreamland!
The woods around us in Belgium are heaving with ticks - so would recommend anybody visiting Continental Europe to tick check regularly!
That is really useful thanks very much.
The one on Lottie's shoulder yesterday looked like a small beige seed. My friend told me they drop off when they've finished feeding,but I'm not sure if that's right.
I just felt it when I stroked her and thought it was just a spot. I googled 'what does a tick look like?' and found a picture which was spot on. Here it is,scroll down a bit
I would use Neem Oil Shampoo and a Neem Oil spray, both of which are freely available on the internet but make it the best quality pure oil you can get. Spray the dog before you go out on a walk. Failing Neem Oil, use Cider vinegar in a spray and brush the dog's coat back, spraying as you go.
If you dog does have a Tick on it, the use of Lavender Essential Oil can help. Literally drown the Tick with it and it dies.
If your dog should be bitten by a Tick, use the Infection Remedy and Ledum 30c homeopathic remedy to offer some protection from the bite. The use of the Trauma & Wound remedy is handy to give if you are out on a walk. Also have good Tick removal tool. To avoid infection as many people don't do a thorough check on their dogs when they get home, we use a mix of remedies as below.
Make sure the dog is given a good homeopathic parasite/Flea treatment regularly .
Some useful combination remedies to have on hand are: These are Homeopathic!
Tick treatment
Infection
Inflammation
Our own Acute Trauma Rescue (contains flower remedies and specific homeopathic remedies )
As mentioned above Ledum 30c
As it is often possible for changes in weather to introduce parasites, bugs, pollutants etc. you may also consider keeping your animal homeopathically wormed on a regular basis; to have either Liver Detox or normal Detox on hand for removal of toxins; Tremplex for animals who shiver/shake and use this also with Acute Trauma Rescue/Anxiety Remedy.
Be vigilant and check your animal over well when grooming, make it a daily thing so you can spot problems before they become serious issues. Keeping a small but well chosen set of Combination Remedies on hand can often be the difference between a minor mishap and a major problem particularly if you are not able to get to a vet in a hurry.
In warm weather remember to watch swimming and drinking water being too cold; your animal getting sunstroke or heatstroke and keep water and perhaps a home made electrolyte mixture on hand. These come in small packets from your local Pharmacy.
We live in the lake district and walk almost daily on the fells which has sheep on them for a lot of the year. Without tic treatment (frontline or equivalent) I have to remove at least 1-3 tics per week. With the treatment I still find the occasional tic on the floor and very occasionally on the dogs themselves. I also find them on myself as well! Two so far this year. Ewww.
Its really important that you remove tics on your dogs and yourself ASAP. if your walking in a large woods or on fells with know tic carriers (sheep/deer) you should check yourself and your dogs as soon as you come home. Prolonged hiking in the summer and should should consider wearing gators and/or tucking your trouser legs in your socks. Avoid shorts in areas with lots of high grass/ferns and tic carriers (lake district, new forest, etc.)
If anyone wants a recommedation for a tic removing tool I can swear by:
A single pack has two sizes and the system works perfectly!
Its super important that you do not squeeze the contents of the tic stomach into your dog or yourself. Using regular tweezers you should always twist and pull away. The potential to contract Lyme Disease is growing each year so you need to take care:
If you are bitten you need to keep an eye out for rashes (especially a ring rash that looks like a bullseye). If you spot anything like that see your GP straight away and they will give you a course of antibiotics.
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