Cat & Dog Fur: Prone to Tick Bites?

When it comes to our furry friends, dogs are more prone to picking up pests like ticks due to their need for walks and exposure to the outside environment. Among these pests, ticks are often the most distressing and concerning for pet owners.

What exactly are ticks?

Ticks are incredibly small arachnid parasites that can infest the bodies of both cats and dogs. They're not just a nuisance to our pets; they can also affect cattle, sheep, and even humans. These parasites are notorious for their ability to cause discomfort and health issues.

When not feeding, ticks can be as small as mung beans or as tiny as grains of rice. After a blood meal, some can swell to the size of soybeans or even as large as a fingernail.

And here's the worst part: ticks can feed for several days at a time!

Where do ticks usually bite?

Unfortunately, once they latch onto their host, ticks can target any part of the body. They tend to prefer thinskinned areas that are hard to scratch, like the neck, behind the ears, armpits, and between the toes. If we had to pinpoint a hot spot, it would be the head and neck of cats and dogs.

How serious is a tick bite?

When ticks feed on humans and pets, they not only drink blood but also release toxins that can cause pain, dermatitis, anemia, weight loss, and paralysis. They can also lead to serious diseases like tickborne encephalitis, Lyme disease, and babesiosis, posing a significant threat to pet health. If not detected early, these can lead to severe illnesses in cats and dogs.

What should you do if your cat or dog has ticks?

Never try to remove them by hand or crush them! This can刺激 the tick to release more saliva or digestive contents, increasing the risk of infection. Improper removal can also leave the tick's mouthparts in the skin. The best course of action is to take your pet to a veterinarian for professional removal.

What's the most effective way to deal with ticks?

From April to October, ticks are most active. Prevention is key.

1. For cats:

Many pet owners mistakenly believe that keeping cats indoors is enough to keep them safe from ticks. However, cats are still at risk, especially if they bring ticks home from outdoor activities. Try to keep your cat indoors, and if you must go out, use a cat carrier to protect them.

2. For dogs:

When dogs are out, they should be on a leash and kept away from tall grass and wildlife. Reducing contact with stray animals can significantly lower the risk of tick bites.

3. Regular use of tick preventatives:

Both spoton treatments and oral medications are available. These work by disrupting the nervous system of external parasites, leading to their death. However, some pet owners have reported that even with these preventatives, ticks still appear on their pets. This could be due to two main reasons:

1. The parasites are evolving and developing resistance to the drugs, rendering some treatments ineffective.

2. Improper application, incorrect dosage, or failure to treat all pets in a multipet household regularly.

For example, with spoton treatments, the drug must be absorbed through the skin into the sebaceous glands or bloodstream to be effective. Many owners mistakenly apply the treatment directly to their pet's fur, which doesn't work.

Additionally, it's crucial to use the correct dosage based on your pet's size. Using a small pet's dosage on a large dog, for instance, will not be effective.