Ticks can spread several serious diseases and are therefore dangerous to people and pets. In this post, our Mahopac vets explain how these external parasites thrive, including which signs to beware of, and how to keep ticks away from your pets and your family.
What are Ticks?
Ticks are external parasites that feed on the blood of animals and humans. They do not fly or jump and so rely on hosts (usually, wild animals are responsible for bringing ticks onto your property) for transportation. Once they are on your property, pets frequently become hosts and the parasites are then brought into your home.
Are Ticks Dangerous?
Because ticks spread several serious diseases, they are dangerous to both people and pets. People can get serious conditions such as Lyme disease when the tick's saliva—which contains germs and bacteria—makes its way into the bloodstream.
What Do Ticks Look Like In Mahopac?
There are three main types of ticks living in New York, the deer tick (black-legged tick), the American dog tick, and the Lone Star tick.
The Deer tick (the black-legged tick) is one of the most common tick species found in Mahopac and has the dubious distinction of being the species responsible for most cases of Lyme disease in our state.
The black-legged tick is found in wooded, bushy areas and both males and females have flat, oval bodies. While female deer ticks' bodies are about 1/8" in size and orangish-brown (with a reddish-brown colored abdomen that becomes darker after feeding on a host), male deer ticks are roughly 1/16" and reddish-brown overall. They are longer than they are wide, and have sharply pointed, toothed mouthparts you can see clearly from above. Though tick exposure may occur year-round, they are most active during warmer months (April to September).
The American dog tick is a species of tick that is known for carrying bacteria that is responsible for many different diseases in humans, including Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia. It is one of the best-known hard ticks. Adult ticks are chestnut brown with white spots or streaks on their backs. Engorged females become gray and may expand to a length of 1/2” (10-12 mm). Larvae and nymphs feed mostly on small rodents, while adults feed on dogs, cattle, other animals, and humans.
The Lone Star tick females have a single silvery-white spot on their back and males have scattered white spots. After eating, females are maybe 1/2” (10-12 mm) long. Larvae and nymphs parasitize small wild animals and domestic animals that have been in an area that has infected ticks.
How Do I Check My Pet For Ticks?
Even after a short walk through the bush and grass, check your dog carefully for ticks. Be sure to check deep within your pet's fur, behind and inside the ears, between the legs, around the neck, and between the toes.
How Do I Get Rid Of Or Prevent Ticks?
You can use several different methods for getting rid of and preventing ticks on small pets and dogs. Your options include spot-on treatments, oral medications, tick collars, or even using a shampoo containing medicated ingredients to bathe your pet and kill ticks on contact. Speak with your vet to determine the right option for you and your pet.
To help keep ticks away from your yard, it's a good idea to keep your lawn well-trimmed. This will give ticks fewer areas to live and breed, reducing the risk of ticks being around. At the height of the tick season, you'll also want to limit the amount of time your pet spends outside.