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Ticks on dogsIs your dog having problems with ticks, fleas and mange infestation? Try Defendex™ Flea, Tick, Lice, and Mange Shampoo by Vetionx. Ticks on dogs are very common and it’s very likely that you’ll come across one, probably many more, in the lifetime of your dog.What are they? Ticks are external parasites which feed on human and animal blood. They are arachnids related to spiders, mites and scorpions. Ticks inject their mouthparts into the skin, and take a blood meal from its host. The meal can last for several hours or even days. Once satisfied, the tick will then release their grip and drop off the animal after a meal. This is an engorged female and it is what you are likely to see on your dog. The first time we saw one, we thought Georgie had a wart on her chest. 
Where are they found? The tick sits on tall grasses and trees waiting for a ‘host’ to attach itself onto. They are also found in bracken, bushy and wooded areas. The least likely places are areas of short grass or dry heather.
Remember, humans can get bitten as well as dogs and for this reason, if you are walking in woodland areas in the summer months, it‘s a good idea to cover up. Bare legs and sandals could be risky in these areas.
Ticks bury in clockwise - therefore when removing them consider twistin slightly in an anti-clockwise direction. Be very careful not to burst the body of the tick. This can release toxins into your dog’s bloodstream.
There are four main methods: remember to clean the bite site before and after with antiseptic and wash hands thoroughly before and afterwards.
1. Use a Tick Remover
This video shows how to remove a tick from your dog's body using the Tick Twister. It is their tutorial video and comes from www.ticktwister.com The second device is the Trix Tick Lasso - Tick Removal Tool. This lasso adapts to the size of the tick and is excellent at removing the whole tick without damage. This is what we use to remove the ticks on our dogs. It is a very efficient method of removal.
2. Tweezers Use a pair of fine pointed tweezers remembering to clean them with antiseptic to begin with. Grasp the tick as close to the dog’s skin as possible. This is where the head is and it is this that burrows into your dog’s skin. Be careful not to grab the body leaving the mouthparts embedded in the skin - this is how a bite can cause irritation, infection or an abscess.
3. Fingers
4. Visit the vet
Do visit your vet if your dog starts to show any of these symptoms.
Also if you fear that part of the tick may still be under the skin of your dog, go and get it checked just to be sure.
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We've used this book many times when we've been worried about our dogs' health. It's a very thoroughly researched book and has a section at the back on alternative approaches to treating your pets. This includes acupuncture, massage and hydrotherapy.
