Arkansas is home to several different tick species; all of them can cause illness or infection. Ticks can transmit several different diseases to dogs. Even if your dog does not contract a disease, tick bites can become infected; this can lead to serious health complications for your pet. The more time your dog spends outdoors, the more likely it is that a tick will latch on to your dog. This doesn’t mean that you have to keep your dog indoors, however. Here are a few tips and considerations to help keep your dog safe from ticks.
Know tick season where you live
Ticks can bight you or your dog year-round, but ticks are most active when temperatures are warmer. You can expect to find ticks from spring into fall in Arkansas; start taking extra measures to keep your dog safe from ticks from April to September.
Treat your dog for ticks
There are many different products that can help keep your dog safe from ticks: oral medications, shampoos, drops, collars, and more. There are different advantages and uses for each product. Ask your veterinarian to help determine which option is best for your pet.
Stay off the grass
Ticks prefer heavily wooded areas and tall grass. The more lush and wild the area, the more likely it is that ticks will be lurking there. You’re likely to come across tick habitats while hiking along trails, playing in the park, relaxing on the river, or walking along the greenway.
Perform regular tick checks
Check around the lips, ears, eyelids, and the tail, under the collar, between the toes, and under the legs.
Tick checks are especially important every time you take your pet outdoors or into areas that could contain ticks. However, you should still check your dog for ticks even if you aren’t out hiking and exploring nature; do this even if you treat your dog for ticks.
You might not usually have ticks in your yard, but ticks can survive anywhere there is grass.
Keep your lawn cut short
Ticks like to wait in tall grass for animals to walk by. Mowing your lawn keeps your yard an uninviting place for ticks.
Keep your Doodle’s coat cut short
Doodle dogs are known for their thick, luscious coats. Unfortunately, this makes your Doodle a desirable target for a tick. Trimming your Doodle’s coat makes it easier to find and remove ticks.
Remove ticks as soon as you see them
The longer a tick remains attached to your dog, the greater the risk that he will get sick. Carefully remove them by the head to prevent illness or infection. If you aren’t confident in your ability to remove the tick properly, take your dog to the vet.