Tick Bite Prevention Week is March 24th to 30th this year. This is a very important and timely topic. As the weather warms up, ticks will be coming out in droves. Ticks can carry dangerous diseases, such as Lyme disease, which can infect both people and pets. Here, a Wichita, KS vet offers some advice on protecting your furry friends from these dangerous and disgusting parasites.  

Parasite Control

Be sure to keep up with your pet’s flea and tick prevention! There are many different products available for dogs and cats today, from collars to sprays to topical drops. It’s also important to stick to the recommended schedule, as these products are least effective just before a pet is ready for their next dose. Ask your vet for recommendations.

Lawn Care

Ticks love to hide in tall grasses, waiting for their next victim to happen through. Keeping your lawn mowed will deprive them of that habitat.

Debris Removal

Dead leaves and branches, wood piles, old logs, and other types of debris can make inviting habitats for ticks. (They can also make tempting homes for snakes, but that’s another topic.) Keep your place cleared of unnecessary clutter. We also recommend trimming back bushes and trees, so they don’t touch your house.

Tick Checks

Get into the habit of checking your furry buddy over daily. This is especially important for pets that have been running or playing in fields or wooded areas.

Be Careful With Produce

Birdfeeders and gardens can both attract wild animals, which may be carrying ticks. Keep birdfeeders away from your house. If you have a garden and/or fruit trees, pick up fallen produce right away.

Flock Up

Tick control shouldn’t be the only reason to get chickens. However, it is one benefit of having your own flock. Guinea hens are great at tick control, too, but they may be too loud for many people. (Rats, fire ants, and wolf spiders also eat ticks, but probably aren’t going to get a very warm welcome in most households.)

Border

Ticks lurk in the shadows, like the villains they are, and will often avoid bright areas where there isn’t much shade. Putting a three-foot mulch or pebble path around your property may help, particularly in areas that border woods. 

Do you have questions about caring for your animal companion? Contact us, your Wichita, KS pet clinic, anytime!