Lyme disease is known as an illness transmitted by black-legged ticks. You and your pet are susceptible to this disease if you live in or frequent tick-infested areas. Health experts have always said that prevention is better than cure. Here are some effective ways to prevent Lyme disease in your pet, at any time of the year.
Stay Away From Wooded and Grassy Areas
If you and your pet go hiking or walking, always keep your pet close or tethered to you. This way, your pet doesn’t explore the woods. Ticks are patient and opportunistic parasites. Once they get the scent of your pet’s warmth, they will attach themselves to your pet until you return home. It is wise to stay on clear, marked hiking trails.
Wear Extra Layers of Protection
Cover your pet in custom-made clothes and accessories that cover most of your pet’s body and extremities. This can discourage ticks from attaching to your pet’s skin. Just make sure you check your pet’s clothes and boots for ticks before you step inside your home.
Form a Tick Inspection Routine
Studies show that one of the most effective ways to prevent Lyme disease is to inspect your pet for ticks daily. Checking for those telling bumps on your pet can help you remove the black-legged ticks before they can do damage. Be sure to check the following areas of your pet:
The underside of the tail.
Scalp.
Between toes.
Inside and outside part of the ears.
Groin.
Under the collar.
Elbows.
The underside of the legs.
You can pull out the ticks with a pair of tweezers and drop the ticks into a jar of oil. Then, dispose of the jar by the end of the tick inspection. Don’t forget to wash your hands after your inspection. To make your pet anticipate and not evade the tick inspection, always give treats before and after the session.
Keep a Well-Kempt Yard
If you live in an area that has a tick problem, it’s ideal to keep a clean, well-maintained yard. Rake the dead leaves and dispose of them immediately. Mow your lawn and trim your hedges regularly. Always check the outer walls, decks, and fencing for ticks. Experts say that if you are vigilant enough, you can make your property free of ticks and Lyme disease.
Use Safe Tick Prevention Products
Remember to consult your veterinarian before you use commercial tick repellents. Some of these products contain harsh chemicals that can harm your pet. Talk about using natural tick prevention remedies as well. Garlic, diatomaceous earth, apple cider vinegar, and diluted lemon juice are all-natural tick prevention remedies you can use at home.
Research suggests that Lyme disease can strike you or your pet right away if you don’t do your part in preventing it. At Mokena Animal Clinic, Ltd., we make sure you get all the information you need in warding off any tickborne disease. For a walk-in consultation, feel free to drop by our clinic in Mokena, Illinois. If you want to set an appointment or if you have any questions about Lyme disease, please contact us at 708-479-2811 today.
