‘TIS THE SEASON OF TICKS!

Category: Cat Care, Dog Care, Pet Health | Tags: Tags: cat care, dog care, hints for ticks, removal of ticks, removing ticks from cats, removing ticks from dog, tick season, ticks and cats, ticks and dogs

Date: May 14th, 2012

SIGNS OF A TICK BITE

• Scratching, licking or chewing at the bite.

• Redness or rash starting at the bite location.

• Voice change to a croaky husky bark.

• Paralysis around the bite site, which may progress to other parts of the body.

• Disease symptoms, including muscle aches, stiffness, weakness, fever and swollen lymph nodes.

ACTIONS FOR SURVIVAL

• Using latex gloves, firmly hold the body as close to the head with your fingers or tweezers.  Then with firm gentle pressure, slowly pull the tick out.  Do not twist.  If all the parts of the tick are not removed, seek

veterinarian help.

• Clean the area with antibacterial soap.

• Put a dab of antibacterial ointment over the break in the skin.

• Save the tick in a jar or small plastic bag and put the date on it.

Keep the tick for at least 2 weeks so the tick can be tested is any signs present themselves in you or your pets during that time.

• Contact your vet for further assistance, if necessary.

• Do not use heat to try and get the tick out. You may burn yourself and your pet!

VETERINARY CARE

• Antibiotics and basic wound care are necessary.

• Vet care is necessary if any part of the tick is not fully removed.

• Vet care is also necessary if any lack of body function or limb function is observed after finding a tick.

• If you bring the tick in, your vet may have the body analyzed or tested.