So your dog has settled in on the couch with you for a nap and you notice a tick has embedded itself into the skin of one of his ears. This scenario is becoming very common and most pets are at risk to pick up ticks during their outside jaunts.

Over the last several years we are seeing a very significant increase in the number of pets picking up ticks and we are also seeing a significant increase in incidence of tick born diseases in the Ludington area.

Ticks can transmit a variety of diseases to your pets including Lyme Disease, Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. All of these diseases have the potential to cause serious health problems and should be avoided at all costs.

Fortunately your Ludington veterinarians at the Animal Hospital of Ludington can advise you on the most effective ways to keep these parasites off your pets and avoid the nasty diseases they often carry.

At the Animal Hospital of Ludington we recommend that every dog be placed on a product that kills and/or repels ticks. These products should be used at a minimum, April through October. Some ticks are extremely small and very difficult to find in thick hair coats, so don’t assume that if you aren’t seeing ticks, they aren’t there. In addition to a good, solid tick control program, consider having your dog vaccinated against Lyme Disease.

By utilizing quality tick control products and vaccinating against Lyme Disease, you are taking positive, proactive steps to deal with ticks and the problems they bring.

Call us at the Animal Hospital of Ludington to learn more at (231) 845-7719.