If you have a pet as a companion at home, you totally understand how important it is to maintain and care for their health, diet, and activities. And, in return for the care we provide, they provide us with companionship and support, acting as a constant presence in our lives.
Because health is one of our top priorities, we must take precautions to prevent them from contracting diseases or infections from their surroundings. It is very easy for them to catch illnesses or diseases while out walking or interacting with other pets during playtime. As a result, if you notice any changes in their behaviour, you must thoroughly examine them with a vet or at home. Because some of these infections may have an effect on your family's health too.
Ticks and fleas are among the most common bugs that they can pick up from the environment, particularly from bushes or small shrubby areas. Even though they are known to infect much more during the summer, the threat of infection exists all year.
So, here are five methods for determining whether your pet is infected or has been bitten by a tick:
- Lump on their coat: These are small but firm lumps that usually appear around their paws, neck, near their eyes or groin. Tick twisters or tick combs can be used to remove them at home.
- Unsteady walking: Tick venom causes an ascending paralysis that begins in the hind legs and progresses to the front limbs. So, if you notice them walking wobbly, take them to the vet right away.
- Eating issues: Some tick-infected dogs have difficulty swallowing, which can result in them inhaling food, which may lead to aspiration or serious complications. If such a situation arises, take your pet to a veterinarian immediately.
- Breathing difficulties: Dogs suffering from tick paralysis may inhale food or saliva, resulting in pneumonia. Also, the venom weakens the respiratory muscles, so if you notice any changes in their breathing pattern, take them to the vet at once.
- Inability to stand: As tick paralysis progresses, it affects all limbs and causes weakness, making it difficult for them to perform simple tasks such as standing, sitting, or even breathing.
So, if you think your pet is infected, take them to the vet as soon as possible because the anti-venom registered is more effective when given sooner.
Once the threat of ticks and fleas is out, it is extremely crucial to prevent this kind of infestation in future. There are various shampoos, sprays, and collars to prevent ticks and fleas. One of the most effective ranges for tick prevention is Captain Zack's IRradicate Range. Made with IR3535 which is potent and proven tick, flea and insect repellent, this range consists of shampoo, spray and powder a full-routine to prevent your pets from these pesky insects. It has products that you can use on a regular basis to keep ticks and fleas at bay. Because they are made naturally, you won't have to worry about allergies or dry coats. The conditioning and moisturizing properties keep their coat looking fresh and healthy while keeping those pesky bugs at bay!
So apart from dog shampoo for ticks, there are combs and other methods for preventing infections and their harmful effects from spreading. Get into the habit of using IRradicate Spray once you get home from a routine walk with your pet. You can also run your hands through their coat looking for lumps. That way, you can detect the threat early on by yourself and remove it before it causes major damage.
