Summer is the time of year in which ticks thrive and they may be thriving on you and your pets. Ticks can make your dog sick and it may not be something you notice for a week to 21 days after a tick bite. Watch them for signs like a loss of appetite or other changes in their behavior. You might wonder, "How do I check my dog for ticks"?

Where Are the Ticks Coming From?

Ticks can be present in any outdoor setting, but especially one with a lot of trees or debris that can be moist and humid—including your own yard. Ticks can be present around the following kinds of areas:

• Piles of wood which can often harbor mice and other rodents
• Overgrown shrubs
• Leaf piles and other litter
• Areas with high grass
• Wooded areas
• Stone walls and other features that may retain moisture
• Fallen branches
• Low-hanging branches

Check My Dog for Ticks - Where Do I Look?

According to the CDC, there are some common places that ticks like to hide on your pet. If your pet has been out in any of the kinds of places mentioned above, you should definitely check them over.

• Look in and around the ears.
• Around the tail.
• Between the back and front legs.
• Between the toes.
• Around the eyelids.
• Under the collar.

Talk to Your Veterinarian About Ticks

The vets at Cimarron Animal Hospital can talk to you about tick prevention including which kinds of products and medications would be beneficial to your dog. Cats, however, are vulnerable to many chemicals, so be sure to visit with us about which products are not harmful to their sensitive bodies.

Finding the right kinds of preventative products will help reduce the chance your pet will be bitten by ticks. Cimarron Animal Hospital can help keep your pet healthy for years to come with regular wellness checks and preventative maintenance medications. Contact us to set up an appointment.