All the ticks in dogs They can represent a serious health problem, not only for your pet. If not controlled immediately it can become a whole house infestation and a threat to the whole family. But in this post we will tell you how you should act in this case.
Types of ticks in dogs
Ticks are one of the most frequent and harmful parasites for pets. Apart from causing an annoying itch and causing infection and irritation of the skin, these vermin are carriers of several diseases that can infect our dog through their bite. To prevent this from happening and to be able to detect them in time, it is necessary to know some details about these pernicious parasites.
The first thing to know is that just like the mites that cause mange in both dogs and cats, these annoying creatures are arachnids that colonize the skin of animals -and even people- to gorge themselves on their blood.
With this first appreciation, the mistaken idea of most pet owners, who think that it is some kind of insect, is cleared up. Once it is clear what Types of animals are, now it must be said that there are several species of these annoying creatures, which are also known in a general way as ectoparasites. This is because they live on the skin of the host and not inside it.
In such a way that to distinguish each of the variations of these vermin, they have been divided by experts into two numerous families. The first of these are the 'hard' ones (Ixodidae) and the other the 'soft' ones (Argasidae). Let's see more details of those two types of ticks in dogs:
hard ticks
Regarding the former, the most common genera that lodge in the canines are:
- amblyomma
- skincare,
- Haemaphysalis
- Hyalomma
- Ixodes
- rhipicehpahlus
Of these, the last genus is the most widespread, since it can be found in almost all regions of the planet.
To distinguish a hard tick, you have to look at the dorsal part of the parasite. There, a kind of shield or hard cover will be clearly observed. In the case of males, the cover covers the entire dorsal part of their body. But in females, the shield species only covers the area closest to the head.
soft ticks
Now, in the case of soft ticks, the most frequent is known as otobius megnini. This is usually installed in the ears of animals. It is distinguished from the previous ones, among other things, because they do not have a hard cover on the back. In this variety it is impossible to know which is the female or the male with the naked eye.
tick cycles
It is also important to know that all species of these bugs follow the same evolutionary cycles during their lives, after emerging from the egg. These cycles are:
- Larva: When the eggs of a tick hatch, between three thousand and four thousand larvae of this parasite emerge in search of a creature that allows them to feed. It can be dog, cat, human and many other hosts, supplying it with blood. Once its hunger is satisfied, it detaches itself from its host to transform into a nymph.
- Nymph: Once turned into a nymph, it returns for another host to feed. But when she has fed again, she repeats the process from when she was a larva. So she detaches herself from the animal to reach, if preferable, the garden and there she can reach her adult state.
- Adult: As an adult tick, it once again looks for a host to feed on. Once the goal has been met, this tick will feed on blood until it multiplies its volume four times. This raises up to a hundred times the weight. Then it will find the opportunity to mate and be able to continue with its life cycle once it reaches the ground again.
- Reproduction stage: Once in the vegetation, the vermin will lay between three thousand and four thousand eggs, to repeat the cycle again.
they always eat
We can add that in the adult phase, the only difference between the two groups is that the Argasidae (soft), have the ability to go through different nymphal events before reaching the adult stage.
It should never be forgotten that in all its cycles, the tick requires blood for its food. In such a way that it is able to stay in dogs from the moment of its exit from the egg.
In general, both larvae and nymphs settle on the dorsal part of the dog. But the adults, on the other hand, lean towards the parts of the body where the skin is thinner. A decision that facilitates a better diet. These sites include the neck, ears, and interdistal areas.
Tick bite in dogs
To get to know how ticks bite in dogs and what their diet is based on, the first thing you should know is where these annoying and dangerous parasites usually live. Although it is also important to understand how they get to stay on the skin of our pets. With all this clear, we will be able to identify a tick bite in dogs and with this we will know how to avoid this evil.
This is how it becomes pertinent to know that the level of activity of the parasite is decreed by temperature. In such a way that the season of the year in which we are must be considered, as a determining element in the life cycles of this tiny and pernicious creature.
For this reason, it is usually identified as the busiest periods, those that are located from the beginning of spring to the end of autumn. While in the winter, almost all species of ticks prefer to hibernate. Only very few are able to remain active throughout the year.
These parasites do not have the ability to fly or jump, so when they are not on the host body, they are on the ground. However, they are resistant and most of them manage to survive in natural environments, especially in rural areas such as fields or forests. They have even been known to lurk in gardens and parks near urban areas.
In this way it is easier for them to climb the ticks on the dogs, when they walk through those places. The little animals stick to their legs and climb up them until they find the place that best suits them to start sucking the blood of the unfortunate pet.
tick feeding
On this subject we must indicate that hard ticks (Ixodidae), like to feed in two batches. In the first one it takes a week and they usually increase up to ten times their weight. On the other hand, the second batch takes them between 12 and 24 hours. However, in this last and fastest phase of nutrition, the gluttonous bug can increase 50 times its weight.
In contrast, the Argasidae or the soft ones, as they are known, only feed once. For this they suck the amount of blood necessary to increase their weight up to four times. In this way we understand that hard ticks usually take longer in the same host than soft ones.
Symptoms of ticks in dogs
As previously indicated, ticks in dogs when they are adults prefer areas of skin that are thinner. In this way they can provide themselves with blood more expeditiously. These favorite sites are usually the neck, ears, interdiscal areas, English and the area near the anus.
Although they also lean towards other regions of the body that the canine cannot reach to scratch. So these points will be the first to be examined if the animal is suspected of being the victim of a tick infestation. Keep in mind that once the animal is installed, it will begin to penetrate the skin in order to feed. There is the first symptom or evidence of the presence of ticks: a hemorrhage that will be easy to identify.
But the most surprising thing is that the worst thing is not that this bug draws blood from your pet. It turns out that while sucking, this evil parasite puts its saliva into the victim's body, which has terrible consequences.
This is because the saliva of these small invaders is made up of toxins. Additionally, this slime has sedative, anticoagulant and even anti-inflammatory powers that affect and minimize the functioning of the immune system, in this case the canine. This is how tick bites in dogs can cause intoxication and even paralysis.
The symptom of itching
But in addition to the symptoms already mentioned, there is another more obvious one that allows us to notice the presence of ticks in dogs. This other symptom is the itching in the body of the poor infested creature.
So we will easily observe the dog scratching relentlessly and desperately. It will do so with both its hooves and its teeth in an attempt to kill or dislodge the parasite. Now, if the poor soul is allergic to the tick bite, then in addition to the symptoms already described, it will surely show inflammation in the most attacked areas.
Although they can also present eye redness and breathing difficulties. This would indicate that we are in the presence of a serious case of infestation that must be treated urgently.
Now that you can determine when your pet is infested with ticks, it's time to examine his entire body. Such a review will be more accurate if you have observed that the animal scratches more than normal. Or have you noticed any part of your body swollen as a result of the sting.
Diseases that ticks spread to dogs
But of course the symptoms are not the most serious, but what they announce. In such a way that we must know that along with causing the previous episodes, ticks in dogs, through their poisonous saliva, can infect the unfortunate pet with numerous diseases. Let’s see what are the most common conditions that ticks inoculate in dogs:
Canine borreliosis or Lyme disease
This is one of the most common tick-borne conditions in dogs. However, it only generates symptoms in 10% of infected dogs, while the remaining 90% are asymptomatic.
But among that unlucky 10%, the most common symptoms tend to be: depression, malaise, loss of appetite and constant lameness. The most delicate thing is that if it becomes complicated, this disease can damage vital organs such as the kidneys and heart, or even the nervous system.
However, it can still deal more damage. It happens that the bacteria that cause the disease (Borrelia burgdorferi) moves into the bloodstream of canines. Once there, it can move to different parts of the body, generating as we have already said damage to different organs, but also to the joints.
In dogs, the most common sign of this disease is a sudden lameness that then becomes recurrent. This is due to inflammation of the joints. This lameness can last only a few days or last for months. It turns out that often the difficulty in walking disappears, but it recurs days or weeks later, either in the same limb or in others.
The joints affected by the swelling are painful to the touch and generally the poor animal walks with evident difficulty, with an arched back. Another sign is that the glands near the point of the tick bite are often swollen. Here are more symptoms of the disease:
- Fever
- Weakness
- Depression
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- increased urine
- High rise
- fluid accumulation
- Trouble breathing
canine anaplasmosis
This condition is caused by bacteria of the genus anaplasm. These infect dogs through ticks. But unlike ectoparasites like their tick partner, anaplasmas are intracellular. This means that they must live inside cells, so in their case they invade blood cells. Two types of anaplasma are known to cause the disease in canines:
- Anaplasma phagocytophilum: Produces canine anaplasmosis or canine granulocytic anaplasmosis.
- Anaplasma platys: This causes thrombocytic anaplasmosis or infectious cyclic thrombocytopenia.
The most frequent symptoms of anaplasmosis in dogs are:
- Decreased platelet values
- Temperature increase
- Depression
- Articulations pain
- loss of appetite
However, in some cases dogs can suffer from the disease without showing symptoms.
babesiosis
Babesiosis is a condition caused by babesia parasites, which, as in the previous cases, also transmit ticks to dogs. It can be a very common ailment in canines, however to date it has not occurred in pet cats in the US.
It is known that since dogs spend a good part of the day outside, sometimes in areas with a lot of vegetation, they are more exposed to being infected. At a risk that increases in the winter months. Usually the symptoms of this disease are mild. But this is really going to depend on the species of parasite and the ability of the canine's immune system to fight off the condition.
Such symptoms may be the following:
- Lack of energy
- Inapetence
- Fever
- Pale gums and tongue
- Red or yellow urine
- discolored stools
- Weight loss
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Enlargement of the spleen
- Jaundice
Hepatozoonosis
This is a pathology of the parasitic type that is almost always transmitted by the tick rhipicehpahlus. The disease produces immunosuppression in the dog, which leads to the appearance of other conditions.
The damage originates after the parasite reproduces in the intestines of the host. It then spreads through the lymphatics or blood to the spleen, as well as lymph nodes, bone marrow, lungs, muscles, and liver, where it continues to develop. Its symptoms are anemia, polyuria, hyperthermia, as well as motor difficulty.
Paralysis
This is another of the many health conditions caused by the toxins contained in the tick's saliva. It usually manifests two or three days after the parasite bite. It begins with tiredness and reluctance of the pet, to culminate in complete paralysis if not treated in a timely manner.
If you think that your furry friend may be suffering from any of these conditions, it is best to take him to the doctor soon.
How to remove ticks in dogs?
Given the health problems that they can cause in our dogs, it is good to know How to remove ticks. But if you are wondering what you should use for this purpose, then you should know that there are many products to eliminate ticks in dogs, whether they are puppies or adults.
However, the most appropriate thing is for the veterinarian to decide which of these products is the most suitable, depending on the level of damage and the age of the canine. Now we will see some of the most used products to eliminate ticks in dogs:
Pipettes
These are for topical use and are placed on the back or withers of the dog, in order to prevent it from licking the compound. They help prevent infestations of both ticks and fleas, although they also serve to eliminate them from the animal's body if they are already present.
Pipettes can be purchased based on how long their effect lasts in the pet's body. Some are capable of lasting one, three or six months. But it is important to make sure that they do not contain chemical elements. If you are looking for a good pipette for your dog, there are many good pipette options made with 100% natural products.
Pills
These are ingestible and can be found with double effect. Which means that they are capable of fighting internal parasites and ectoparasites alike.
The effect of these capsules can last a month, although some are also able to resist up to three months. However, it is good to know that the tablets made to last three months are more aggressive than the others. In such a way that it is advised that the veterinarian decides which one should be applied.
Necklaces
These elements are more effective to prevent than as a cure, in case of tick infestation in dogs. As in the previous case, as they are compounds that come into direct contact with the dog's skin, it is advisable to verify that the collar is made with natural substances. But as before, you can also find collars free of pesticides and other chemicals to repel any form of insects and parasites such as ticks in dogs.
The best thing is that being of natural origin, these elements can be used in puppies with more than three months. But they are also perfect for younger pets.
Syrups
These are also ingested and there are to fight against a vast spectrum of parasites, whether they are external or internal. The doses vary according to the age and weight of the animal.
Spray
Another for topical use. It is used over the entire body of the dog, taking care not to get it in the eyes and mouth. This spray has a double function: it prevents and fights fleas and ticks in dogs. In the case of serious tick infestations in dogs, it is generally possible to opt for the use of topical products such as this one, due to their rapid action.
However, it is always useful to remember that it should be the pet's doctor who decides which product is indicated. But also that it is the same one who applies it in the most serious episodes.
Are there medications to eliminate ticks in dogs?
There are no medications to expel ticks in dogs. When we popularly talk about pills to remove ticks in dogs, we are actually referring to the aforementioned tablets.
However, it is possible that the pet's doctor chooses to administer a certain drug. This is if the canine is affected by an allergic condition, product of the tick bite or by the symptoms of any of the conditions that these parasites spread.
To be more precise, it is good to clarify that the word 'medicine' is often confused with 'repellent', which would be the most correct to use in these cases.
How to remove ticks in dogs?
Apart from the products mentioned, if the pet has only one tick, or if the parasite invasion is mild, there is still the alternative of removing the few invaders manually. Remember that before biting, the animal walks through the canine's body looking for the best place to latch on. In such a way that the best thing, before it itches, is to use a flea comb and pass it several times throughout its body.
With such an implement, both nymphs and adult ticks can be caught – although not the larvae. This allows them to be removed instantly to prevent them from biting our furry friend, or even ourselves. But if, on the contrary, the dog already shows signs of bites, the most expeditious way to identify it is manually.
So you will have to be patient and take a good look at the areas where your pet repeatedly scratches. Then put it in a comfortable position and begin to explore the skin with your fingers. But this must be done against the grain, looking for every tick. Remember that these have an oval or rounded shape, while they can measure between 30 mm and 1,5 cm. Another thing you should not forget is that depending on the type of tick, these can have hard or soft skin.
Lastly, if you find one or maybe three of these pesky blood-sucking critters, you can manually remove them. On the other hand, if the case is a higher amount, it is advisable to use products prescribed by the veterinarian.
Manual procedure
When you have located the tick on the dog, you will need to use tweezers to grasp it precisely. The ideal is to hold it as close as possible to the mouth and pull gently, but taking care that it is always upwards.
Do not do it abruptly and do not turn it either, since you will only be able to remove a piece of the vermin, leaving your pet hooked on the other part. What this can do is cause an even greater infection. After removing the tick from the dog, it is good to disinfect the area where it is hooked. But if you deem it necessary, you can go to the specialist so that he can determine if the parasite has infected our furry friend with any disease.
Home Treatments for Ticks in Dogs
There are many natural products that are quite effective in removing ticks from dogs. The best thing is that many of these treatments can be used on puppies. So if you have just adopted a puppy from the street and you have observed these parasites in his body, these tips will help you.
A chamomile preparation is one of the best treatments to apply. This must be done throughout the body of our pet. The smell that it expels cannot be tolerated by ticks, so they will fight to retreat from the animal almost immediately.
Another homemade product against ticks in dogs is vinegar, which can be white or apple. Note that it is the same vinegar for fleas that you may have already used. But let's see how to apply it: You can combine it with the shampoo and bathe the dog with said mixture.
It can also be mixed with water in equal parts. Then the product is applied to the dog's body, using a cloth moistened with it.
How to prevent ticks in dogs?
Better than treatments will always be preventing ticks on dogs. For this there are several options and we have mentioned almost all of them, such as necklaces, pipettes and good home treatments. But apart there is another that we should not ignore.
The most important thing is to pay attention to the places where we usually go with our dog, especially in times of increased activity of these parasites. So we must avoid the areas that are presented for infestations of them. Remember that they are usually sites with vegetation.
Finally, we must bear in mind that ticks do not respect or Large dog breeds neither small, neither sex nor age, because they attack indiscriminately. So we always have to be aware of our pets to prevent them from falling victim to these poisonous parasites.