Keeping a German shepherd Tick-Free
German shepherds and in general all pets tend to spend most of their summer time outdoors. In case of dogs, it is very important to be careful about parasites, bugs and micro organisms that can harm them while they get their whiff of fresh air. Precautions are necessary to keep these dangers away. One of these pests that can cause damage are the ticks since they carry diseases. Avoiding the ticks is of high importance to not have to deal with it later as a sickness.
Why Ticks?
Ticks tend to like warm temperature, CO2 and movement. Ticks do not transmit through the air. Their motion is limited to crawling. They transmit themselves by climbing up taller structures or plants and drop onto any living and moving human or animal. The danger of diseases or kinds of diseases transmitted by ticks depends upon the country and culture, therefore the cure from tick attack itself varies from country to country. The danger of having ticks on your dogs body begins when the tick bites. The bite itself is painless and unfeeling but the place of bite might get infected. Consulting a veterinarian is advisable for treatment which normally involves oral antibiotics. If your German shepherd is sick due to a tick bite, there is a risk of infection spreading because of your dog salivation on or biting another dog. The most widespread disease by tick bite is the lyme disease but this is not the only one.
How to keep ticks away from your German shepherd dog
The best way to avoid ticks is to avoid walking your dog in the midst of vegetation during tick season. Always keep the vegetation around your house trimmed. Certain preventive medication products are also available. More information can be gathered from your veterinarian about how to use these with your dog in respect to age and area. Do not use medications without consulting and proper instructions. Please remember that these medications are suited for a single class of pets only, meaning that tick prevention medication for dogs is for dogs only and should not be used on other animals.
Removing Ticks
When your dog comes back from outdoors make sure to check him carefully for ticks. They are normally found in warm areas, under the legs, in ears, between toes and in skin folds. If you find any, remove them safely. Do not touch the tick, use a alcohol swab, then pull it up slowly with a tweezer. Make sure to not leave any part of the tick in the skin of your dog. If you are unsuccessful contact your vet and get him to look at it and help you.
