Beware of Tick Time 2012

Due to this year’s extremely mild winter and much warmer spring weather so far, ticks are out and about in record numbers – and will be through spring, summer and fall. Pets and their humans have to take cover and be aware to prevent disease carried by ticks and other parasites. 

Pets and their people have good reason for concern in 2012. Transmission from pets to humans – called “zoonotic” transmission – are almost completely preventable. The most common concerns include fleas and ticks – external parasites that not only cause our pets discomfort, but also pose some risk of transmitting disease to humans. Ticks can transmit serious diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and others.

Have a conversation with your veterinarian about both internal and external parasite control. In addition to administering the necessary preventive treatment, there also are several things you can do to protect your family and pets:

·         Keep the grass cut short in yards, and if you have to overgrown areas wear long clothing to prevent ticks from accessing your skin.

·         After spending time outside in the yard, woods, playing area and/or beach, make sure you check yourself, your children, and your pets for ticks.

·         Encourage everyone in the family – kids in particular – to practice good personal hygiene and prevent exposure to places that may be contaminated.

Dietary Tick Preventatives

·         Garlic – Garlic given as a dietary supplement makes the dog less appealing to ticks, too. The smell is excreted through the skin and repels both ticks and fleas. However, garlic contain sulfoxides and disulfides, which can damage red blood cells and cause anemia in dogs. A couple of cloves per day is completely safe but don’t overdo it.

·         Apple cider vinegar – Apple cider vinegar adds acidity to your dog’s blood, making it less appealing to ticks and fleas. Add 2 tablespoons of the apple cider vinegar to the dog’s food or water bowl as a preventative.

Please just keep a close eye out and be smart when working to prevent ticks on your pets and in your home.

For pet-sitting with a personal touch, contact Dee Hopkins at 517.546.0439 and visit http://www.ddspetpatrol.com.

Written by Dee Hopkins in collaboration with Ginger Sprinkle @ nine dots branding & marketing company (ginger@ninedotsbranding.com).