A dog may be clean, but one day or another it may get embedded fully ticks on dogs, for example after a simple walk. It is therefore necessary to act quickly to apply a treatment in order to relieve your canine companion. But where do dogs get ticks by the way? Do not miss all our answers to protect your dog against these parasites.
Where are ticks hiding?
Ticks may settle on any part of the body of your pet. However, there are certain places that these little insects prefer over others.
On the groin: the groin is a part of the body of your dog located between the abdomen and the thigh
Ticks particularly appreciate this place, as they prefer quite dark and humid areas. It is therefore an area of your companion to check, without forgetting the entire perianal part and its tail.
Between the toes: we know that ticks like warm places, even humid places that are quite difficult to access, the paws of your animals are the ideal place for this!
The ears: are also placed behind the ears of your little animals, in the outer fold but also inside! It is also possible for ticks to attach themselves to your dog’s lips. These parasites favor places with easily accessible blood vessels. You must then be very attentive to these discreet areas on your companion.
Under the collar: If your dog won’t move around without his collar, it can be a nice nest for ticks. So don’t forget to take it off to check from time to time. So, remember, when you inspect your animal, remove all these accessories (collar, clothing, harness).
On the eyelids: a blood-soaked tick looks like a small white ball; it can then be mistaken for a ball of skin and therefore does not cause concern. It is common for this confusion to be made when the tick is positioned at the level of your pet’s eyelids. If it’s a tick, don’t wait to remove it with the help of a tick remover for cats, but if you have any doubts, don’t hesitate to consult your veterinarian.
Where can my dog catch ticks?
Ticks are very present mites in France and this throughout the year. They multiply at temperatures between 0°C and 20°C. During hot weather, they are found on the ground and wait for the rain to be able to climb on plants to better reach their target: your pets.
Moisture-loving, they appear more frequently in spring and autumn, during cool periods. These insects tend to inhabit tall grasses, bushes, or hedgerows that surround gardens, fields, forests, and any places where there is a lot of vegetation. Ticks may climb between 15cm and 1m high.
The tick then drops onto its host, clings to its hair and bites it.
It is therefore important to be vigilant when walking your dog, especially when the walks are in the countryside or in natural environments in general.
Don’t forget to inspect your dog’s skin once at home and if you detect the presence of a parasite, get a tick remover as soon as possible!
In order to avoid any proliferation, protect your animal beforehand.
A tick bite can cause the transmission of dangerous diseases for your animal. They are indeed vectors of infectious agents that can lead to the death of your dog. When these pump the blood, they generate exchanges of parasites which lead to infection. Once infected, your companion may experience severe symptoms such as limping and muscle pain. But also, heavier symptoms such as heart, kidney or nervous system disorders, and may suffer skin damage.
In the event that your animal is contaminated, take a tick puller to remove the creature in question. If you notice a radical change in your dog’s behavior, do not hesitate to consult your veterinarian who will be able to manage the situation as well as possible.
Lyme disease
Lyme disease is a serious disease that can be caught after a tick bite, both in animals and in humans. This infectious disease is still very present in France today. It is brought about by a bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi. It only takes 48 to 72 hours of blood contact to contract the virus.
Ticks can transmit many diseases, but the most known and dangerous for us is this one.
Breakdown of red blood cells
Rhipicephalus sanguines is a species of tick and more precisely a mite of the ixodidae family. This tick has a direct pathogenic role after biting its prey. Its bite promotes bacterial infections. It also has an indirect pathogenic role by transmitting various pathogenic agents to dogs such as: piroplasmosis.
You should know that ticks are parasites that suck blood in order to colonize red blood cells. Once these cells are taken hostage, disease transmission is imminent.
Piroplasmosis is an endemic disease that causes your companion to break down his red blood cells. If its red blood cells are damaged, then the dog may experience anemia.
