You have a great friend in your dog and love to play with him around the house. What happens if one day you run your fingers through his furry coat, and suddenly feel a protrusion/ outgrowth/ lump in his skin? If you notice a small black or brown seed-like thing sticking to his skin at that time - Beware! Your darling pet is infested with ticks. A tick is a blood sucking mite that is not actually an insect.

It belongs to the family of 'arachnids' (like spider) and generally lives on wooded, grassy and damp areas. Thus, they are external parasites that feast on the blood of various vertebrates. Actually, these vampire-like critters may flourish anywhere and might easily cling to your dog's body and multiply in no time. They are also the carriers of various lethal diseases, including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Types of Ticks

Generally two types of ticks are found on dogs- viz. American Dog Tick and Brown Dog Tick. These creatures might lurk behind your pet's neck, feet, ears or body and sometimes might go unnoticed during the preliminary stages of infection. The situation is further worsened if your pet has a dark or furry coat. These creatures can be as tiny as a fennel seed or grow as large as a peanut, after feeding on your pet's blood.

Sometimes, tick-infested dogs might get severely anemic or suffer from tick paralysis. Moreover, ticks that are carried home by your pet can rapidly spread inside the house too. So, it is better that you take various preventive measures against dog ticks before they find a way to your dog and to your home. Check out these quick tips to understand and prevent dog ticks.

Dog Tick Prevention

* You are the one who is responsible for your pet's hygiene. See that your pet is properly groomed, healthy and happy.
* Consult a good veterinarian about other effective and alternative methods that help to prevent and control ticks.
* Frequently clean the bedding of your pet and spray/ dust insecticides around the area.
* Keep your surroundings clean (remove all the debris where ticks maybe present).
* Many good medicated products (like shampoos, rinse, sprays and talc) are available in the market for pets, to prevent and control ticks.
* Natural oils of lavender, geranium, lemongrass, cedar, eucalyptus, myrrh, rosewood and neem are effective for preventing ticks. Rub them on your dog's body or add a few drops in his bathwater.
* Regularly feel your dog's coat with your fingers. Don't use bare hands, but cover them with latex gloves to protect yourself from any kind of infection, if present.
* Since ticks are generally found outdoors, it is very necessary that you thoroughly check/ inspect your dog every time he is back from any of his exploring walks.
* Specific oral medication are also available that helps to prevent ticks. Consult your veterinarian before using such drugs on your pet.
* Specific tick collars of different brands are available that help in preventing ticks and fleas.
* Treat all the cracks, crevices and corners of your home with preventive sprays.

A pet is a part of your own family and deserves your proper care, love and attention. So, don't ignore your pet's health and hygiene. After all - a healthy pet reflects a healthy family.