With Fall in full swing, many pet parents are taking their dogs out for walks in the woods, trips through pumpkin patches and more. Safety and our overall dog's health is important no matter what time of the year it is. But especially during the Fall when we seem to take our dogs out even more often ahead of the cold winter months, that can mean that you or your pup could end up getting bitten by a tick.
Considering ticks live in wooded areas, as well as tall grass and wherever there is a lot of brush, it makes sense that during the Fall, you would end up disturbing them and finding them on you or your dog. Whether you are a seasoned pet owner or someone new to having a dog, you might not be familiar with tick bites and what to pay attention to.
We wanted some expert advice about ticks and specifically tick bites, so we reached out to some experts for answers. Thankfully, Dr. Rachel Cocchiaro, a veterinarian with Bahama Road Veterinary Hospital in North Carolina, has plenty of experience with ticks and dogs, and she shared her knowledge with us.
What are signs that your dog has been bitten by a tick?
In answering our question about dog's being bitten by a tick, this is what Dr. Cocchiaro had to say.
"Most commonly, the only sign would be a red, raised bump where the tick was. Signs to watch out for that could indicate that your dog has become infested with a tick born illness would most commonly be lethargy, fever, decreased appetite, joint pain and/or spontaneous bleeding or pale mucous membranes."Dr. Rachel Cocchiaro
When it comes to dealing with a tick, it is always important to pay attention to how your dog is acting and we always recommend checking them over before bringing them in after a walk in the woods. If they have been running through an area with a lot of tall grass and bushes, you should also be giving them a look over to make sure you are seeing any ticks that may have latched onto them.
Pet owners, have you come across a tick on your dog before? How was your pup after getting bitten? What did you do for them?