Protecting Your Dog From Ticks in Missouri
Lone star ticks, American dog ticks and blacklegged ticks are all found in Missouri. They can spread diseases such as ehrlichiosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever to dogs as well as people.
Use a preventive
Ask your veterinarian which tick preventive is right for your dog. Many vets recommend using it all year, because ticks can be active on warm winter days.
Check after every outing
- Inside and around the ears.
- Under the collar and around the neck.
- Between the toes and under the legs.
- Around the tail and belly.
Remove ticks the right way
Use fine-tipped tweezers to grab the tick as close to the skin as you can, then pull straight up with steady pressure. Clean the spot and wash your hands. Don’t use heat, oils or nail polish.
Watch for signs of illness
Call your vet if your dog seems tired, stops eating, has a fever or starts limping in the weeks after a tick bite. Keeping grass mowed and brush trimmed around your yard also helps.
