Worried about how to protect your dog from ticks this season? At Backyard Defenders, we are proud to share a few helpful tips on how to prevent ticks from preying on your pets. These steps should be followed from early spring to late fall of each year and should always be combined with regular visits to your veterinarian.
#1. Choose a Veterinarian-Recommended Tick Control Product
If you’re trying to keep ticks off of your dog, the first line of defense you should choose is a veterinarian-recommended tick control product. Typically, these products offer year-round protection. This is because while ticks are most active in temperatures starting at 65 degrees, they have become increasingly cold-hardy in recent years. Be sure to choose a safe and effective tick control product that works well for your pet’s needs.
#2. Perform Regular Tick Checks From Spring to Fall
As soon as the temperatures outside begin to reach 60-65 degrees, you’ll want to begin performing tick checks on your dog each time they return from outside. Ticks like to hide in warmer areas of the skin or areas that allow them to go undetected. So, be sure to check behind the ears, under the collar, and in between the paws. Ticks will also hang out around the neck and mouth of your dog and may not be easily visible until they become engorged.
#3. Follow Regular Grooming Habits
Dog owners who get in the habit of regularly grooming their pets will have a greater chance of spotting ticks before they become attached or engorged. Try to make a routine of brushing your dog’s fur multiple times per week and be sure to promptly groom any fur that becomes too long or thick. Professional grooming during the active tick season may also help prevent ticks, however can quickly become costly.
#4. Keep Your Yard Tidy
Ticks are attracted to yards with fallen branches, tall grass, and moist soil. So, the tick population of your yard can be greatly reduced by keeping this area tidy. Mow your lawn regularly, clean up any fallen debris, and take care of any areas that may overflow with rain. It’s also a good idea to trim back any large vegetation you may have in your yard, including overgrown bushes and trees. Many species of ticks like to jump down to their host, so tall vegetation gives ticks the perfect opportunity to prey on your dog.
#5. Invest in a Backyard Tick Prevention Program!
Of course, if you’re looking to eliminate the ticks in your backyard, you’ll want to invest in a tick prevention program. At Backyard Defenders, our tick prevention program greatly reduces the population of ticks in your backyard, as well as the population of other harmful pests. Our customers can choose from both organic and synthetic methods and can enjoy a safe backyard for the whole family. To learn more about our tick and mosquito prevention programs, simply fill out the contact form below!