Dear Jeni: How do I check my dog for ticks?
It used to be that as winter faded away and the warmer weather returned, so did the tick population. Now, though, as we have milder winters in New England, fleas and ticks remain a year-round problem.
So, how do you make sure you are properly checking your pet for ticks after being outside? Most of the time, ticks are easy to see; they are the size of a pea and dark in appearance.
Step one should always be checking your pet's coat. Starting at the head, run your fingers through their fur using gentle pressure to feel for any small bumps.
Take the extra time to search specific areas where ticks like to latch on. The ears are usually the main offender, as they are dark, moist areas that are easy to hide in. Other areas, such as the groin, eyes, eyelids, under the collar, between the legs, between the toes, and under the tail, should also be checked.
Removing ticks should be done very carefully. Tweezers or a special tick removal tool should get the job done. Get as close to the skin as possible and pull straight out without squeezing the body of the tick. Place the tick in a sealed container and dispose of it immediately.
By following these tips, you can feel good about keeping your pets safe while letting them enjoy the outdoors!