BarksBudsLong Island, Westchester and the wooded edges of the city are prime tick country. Ticks can carry Lyme disease and other illnesses, so a quick check after walks is one of the best habits a dog owner can have.
Where and when
Ticks like tall grass, leaf litter, brush and the edges of woods and beaches. They're most active from spring through fall, but adult ticks can be out on any mild winter day, too. Several kinds live in our area, including blacklegged (deer) ticks, which can spread Lyme disease, and lone star ticks, which are common on Long Island.
The two-minute tick check
After walks in grassy or wooded areas, run your fingers slowly through your dog's coat, feeling for small bumps. Pay extra attention to:
- In and around the ears
- Around the eyes and on the head
- Under the collar
- Armpits and the groin
- Between the toes
- Around the tail
Curly and dark coats make ticks harder to spot. Lily's black and grey curls hide them well, so a fine-toothed comb helps. Check yourself, too.
Removing a tick
- Use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick-removal tool.
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin as you can.
- Pull straight out with slow, steady pressure. Don't twist, squeeze or burn it.
- Clean the spot and wash your hands.
- Note the date. Some owners save the tick in a sealed bag in case the vet wants to see it.
Prevention
There are many tick prevention options for dogs, and a Lyme vaccine is available too. The right choice depends on your dog's health, age and lifestyle, so this is a great conversation to have with your vet.
When to call the vet
Lyme and other tick-borne illnesses can show up weeks after a bite. Call your vet if your dog has a fever, seems tired, loses appetite, has swollen joints, or starts limping, especially if the limp moves from leg to leg.