Tick and Heartworm Prevention

How can I safely remove a tick?

Incorrectly removing a tick from your loyal companion can cause further problems. You will need fine-point tweezers and gloves to safely remove a tick. Use the following steps to help remove a tick:

1. Wear rubber gloves. Ticks carry a disease that can be dangerous for humans so wear gloves to create a barrier.
2. Disinfect a tick removal tool or tweezer with rubbing alcohol or antiseptic cleaner.
3. Spread your loyal companion’s fur and grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Gently remove it from the skin in a steady motion. Place the tick in a closed jar with some alcohol to kill it. Keep it for up to 3 weeks as you monitor your canine or feline companion for any signs of illness. If necessary, the tick can be tested at a laboratory to determine if the tick is dangerous.

If you are uncomfortable, you can always contact your veterinarian for more information.

Is tick prevention necessary in winter?

Yes. It is not uncommon for ticks to infect your loyal companion during the colder months. Many tick species can thrive in the winter, keep in mind that some winters are milder which gives them a better chance at survival. Tick prevention is especially important if your loyal companion travels to regions that are affected by ticks.

What happens if my cat or dog has heartworms?

This disease can be deadly if it is detected too late which is why regular testing and prevention is a must. If your cat or dog develops heartworms, their symptoms will resemble a respiratory illness. While there are many effective treatments for dogs, there are none for cats. Treating heartworms in dogs can be a long process and each case will require a different treatment approach. Your canine companion will receive an injectable medication to flush out the adult worms. In most cases, the patient will be given a heartworm preventative and antibiotic to prevent further complications. During treatment, your dog must follow a strict treatment plan for 30 days after the injection. Here are some guidelines to follow when your dog is being treated for heartworms:

1. Restrict their activity and keep them calm. Being too active can increase their blood pressure or heart rate which can cause life-threatening problems. Instead, you can replace their activity with affection and keep them on a leash to prevent them from running away.
2. Keep them indoors away from people and other animals. Other pups or people can get your canine companion excited to the point they want to play with them. However, that can cause the parasite to spread and infect others.
3. Stretch out their meal times. Use an interactive feeder or food puzzle to keep them entertained while they get their food out.
4. Provide something for them to chew on. When your dog gets bored they may chew on your household items such as furniture.

After your dog has completed treatment, they must continue a year-round heartworm prevention plan. They can get a heartworm vaccine every 6 to 12 months or other preventatives such as tablets and topical creams.