Tick bites on dogs are common in the United States because several tick types can be found in the country, said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And because ticks also feed on other animals like cats, tick bites on cats are another widespread situation. What makes the situation alarming is the fact that in both cases, diseases can possibly spread because of the bacteria carried by ticks. Through their saliva, microorganism is passed to the animals they bite, possibly leading to infections.
It is during the summer months when the weather is warmer that ticks thrive better. For this reason, your pets become all the more vulnerable to tick bites. All the same, there is no need to hit the panic button. If your dog or your cat has been exposed to ticks or has been bitten, get rid of the tiny crawlers that prey on them and treat the bite.
Treating Tick Bites on Dogs
Your first defense against ticks so that they are not able to feast on your dogs is to make sure they are not able to invade your home. But as creatures skilled at finding their way to their hosts in order to feed, your dogs could still fall victim to tick bites. Some bites just come and go without any problem but if your pooch happens to be allergic to tick bites, below are some of the steps you can take to prevent further problems.
- Consult a veterinarian for a topical cream that may be applied on the skin should your dog develop an allergy due to tick bite.
- Tick bites on dogs could result to excessive itching in which case Benadryl could help alleviate itch and inflammation.
- Some herbs are also used in treating the bites. One is Vidang that works like an acrid astringent to help relieve skin infection. Another is Harida with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties that can help stop the development of allergies and other possible skin conditions.
- Should symptoms persist and you observe that your dog is getting worse, immediately get in touch with your veterinarian.
Treating Tick Bites on Cats
Preventing the bites from happening is way better than any cure or treatment. Just the same, with so much hair on your feline, ticks could still be hiding beneath that they still manage to enjoy a feast of blood.
- Immediately remove a tick using tweezers, should you find one on your cat. Wear gloves to protect yourself too. Grasp the tick by its head and pull it off in a firm but gentle manner so that you don’t separate the head from the body, leaving the head buried in your pet’s skin.
- A tiny red bump usually marks the bite area. Treat this site with a fast-acting topical cream to soothe itch and inflammation.
- Tick bites on cats may also be treated with baking soda and water paste which you can make at home.
- Some tick bites could result to serious illnesses such as Rabbit Fever or Lyme disease, symptoms of which may not be visible until after weeks. But in case your cat suddenly loses its appetite, pants noisily, dry-retches, vomits or has difficulty swallowing and becomes lethargic, a visit to your veterinarian is necessary.
Monitoring Reactions
You may have been advised to use an antiseptic or antibiotic treatment on the bite site that became infected, you need to look out for possible reactions. Your dog or your cat could be allergic to the contents of the ointment or lotion. Tick bites on dogs or cats may be treated with topical solutions but you need to discontinue use in case of an allergic reaction. Seek the animal doctor’s help for a new form of medication.
As you monitor your pets for possible infection after a bite and you have successfully removed the tick from its skin, keep the tick in a jar. You can take the tick with you on your visit to the vet. Tick identification makes it easier for the vet to determine the right medication necessary to address the problem properly.
When dealing with tick bites on cats and dogs and with the ticks themselves, make sure that you practice caution and good hygiene. Avoid handling them with bare hands or you risk spreading the organisms they carry. Even if you wear gloves when removing, bagging or crushing ticks, wash your hands with soap and water each time you are done.
Keep Playing it Safe
Never take ticks lightly. They can endanger your pets and you as well. If you discover the presence of ticks at home, get rid of them right away. There may be some instances when tick bites on dogs, cats or humans don’t bring any serious problems, it is still good to be ready in case things turn for the worse. Keep these pesky creatures at bay by doing constant inspection on areas where they are likely to hide and make nests. Finding a tick or two or your pet could mean there may be more lurking somewhere near. Always clean your home, keep it disinfected and treated with anti-tick solutions.
Doing your best to prevent parasitic attacks may not always work but you can have peace of mind when you know how to contain an infection should tick bites on cats or on dogs or even on the skin of other family members happen. Keep arming yourself with practical steps and tips in handling any tick situation.
