If you are a pet parent, then you already know how tick infestations can be a cause of worry in many animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits, and birds. The small parasitic arachnids (ticks) live in wooded areas and fields and wait to ambush your pets when they venture outside to play.
Symptoms of tick infestations in common pets
It is crucial to identify the symptoms of tick infestations in pets for immediate tick treatment and restoration of their health. Ticks mostly prefer warm and moist areas like armpits, groin, or the scalp. After the ticks claim a space on the host’s body surface, they start biting and lodge their heads deep inside the skin. So, if you find any black spots on the pet’s body that are about one to two millimeters in length, immediately book an appointment with a veterinarian for initiating the tick treatment . Detailed below are some symptoms of tick infestation that you might notice in common pets like dogs, cats, rabbits, and birds.
Symptoms of tick infestation in dogs
Signs and symptoms of tick infestations in dogs include:
- Fever
Dogs may experience mild fever after getting infested with ticks. In most cases, the temperature withdraws within 24 hours. However, they show signs of weakness, shivering, body aches, rashes, and loss of appetite in the following days. - Unexplained scabs
The presence of unusual scabs on the dog’s body can be a sign of tick infection. It happens because pets tend to lick the bite site excessively. - Head shaking
Pets continuously shake their heads as parasites burrow their heads inside damp and moist areas like ear canals. If you notice your dog moving its head in a strange way, use a torchlight to scan its body surface and detect the presence of ticks. In addition to ear canals, ticks may also burrow in the groin and the space under the front legs. - Small bumps on the body
While caressing your pooch, if you feel the presence of small bumps deep in the fur, then don’t ignore them. Carefully part the hair, and observe the area under a bright light. You may get evidence of tick bites or detect the presence of the parasites.
Symptoms of tick infestation in cats
Just like dogs, cats can also act as hosts for ticks. However, it is easier to notice the presence of the pin-head size bugs on their body while stroking them and running your fingers along their fur. Cats experience fever, occasional seizures, lethargy, joint pain, restlessness, and anorexia after coming in contact with ticks.
Symptoms of tick infestation in rabbits
Rabbits mostly have ticks near their ear lobes. Since ticks have a habit of sucking blood from the hosts, they grow in size after getting lodged on rabbits. It is easier to identify them at this stage as raised black spots on the body surface. Besides, these pets also show visible signs of muscle weakness, anemia, paralysis, and loss of appetite due to tick infestations.
Symptoms of tick infestation in birds
If you feel that caged and sedentary birds are not susceptible to tick infections, then you are mistaken. Ticks are found abundantly in birds like blackbirds (Turdus merula), parakeets, parrots, poultry, and song thrushes (Turdus philomelos). Infested birds usually show weight loss, a decrease in egg-laying abilities, red spots on the skin, anemia, restlessness, and paralysis.
Treatment options for ticks in dogs
Now that you have a fair idea about the signs and symptoms of tick infestations in pet animals, it will be convenient to identify them. However, along with the quick detection of parasites, immediate tick treatment is necessary to prevent any complications. Here are some tried and tested ways of removing ticks from dogs, and preventing them from latching onto their bodies while your canine pals play in the woods.
- Spot-on treatment for ticks
The spot-on tick treatment for dogs can help you get rid of infestations, and prevent these parasites from re-attaching to your pet’s body. The life cycle of ticks goes through stages like eggs to larvae to pupa to adults. These medications are hence based on fipronil and (S)-methoprene compounds, which attack all the stages of the life cycle of ticks and fleas. All you need to do is part the hair of your pets and gently apply the product through applicators. Most of these products get stored in the sebaceous glands of dogs, present under the skin. They keep on dispensing the medicine for up to a month of application. So, you do not have to worry about the reappearance of ticks on their bodies when they step outside next time. - Oral medications
Oral chewable medicines for dogs can also act as an effective tick treatment . They can successfully kill up to 99 percent of ticks. These medicines disrupt the life cycle of these parasites, and so, the eggs that get latched onto the pet’s body do not hatch into larvae. Since most of these tablets come in a preferred flavor, dogs consume them without any fuss. These are also beneficial if you have small kids in the house, as unlike topical creams, the kids do not come in contact with the medications while playing with the pets. However, you need to visit a veterinarian to determine the dose and brand of oral medications. - Tick collars
Ticks collars are effective in getting rid of several groups of parasites, including fleas, ticks, lice, and mites. You can use them on dogs of all age groups, and both small and large breeds. The collars are non-greasy and odorless, and they comfortably sit on the dog’s neck without causing any pain or discomfort to them. They contain active ingredients that get transferred to the epidermal cells when the collar comes in contact with the skin. They continue to ward off ticks from the head and neck regions for a prolonged period. However, be careful while attaching the collar on the neck. Leave at least a two-finger gap between the collar and the skin to ensure that your dog does not feel suffocated. - Shampoos
If your dog is already showing signs of tick infestations, then it is better to use medicated shampoos for washing its fur. As one of the best tick treatments, these shampoos contain active ingredients that will instantly kill the ticks and offer soothing relief. Most dog shampoos have sulfate and paraben-free formulations, and they do not irritate the skin, even if ticks bite on them. All you need is to do is generously massage the dog’s body with the shampoo to kill the parasites and dislodge them from the skin surface. You do not require any prescription from a registered vet to purchase tick shampoos. Just visit your nearest pet store or browse online stores to select your favorite product. However, this tick treatment requires repetition after every two weeks. - Tick sprays
Veterinarians also advise pet parents to use tick sprays on dogs to mill warts. They also repel mosquitoes from biting the pets. You can use these sprays in between shampooing their coats as an additional protection. The natural ingredients (peppermint oil and clove extract) based sprays are better for dogs as they do not cause any irritation to their skin. While spraying, make sure that the vapor does not enter the eyes of dogs.
Treatment options for ticks in cats
Cats also require effective and fast tick treatments to remove the parasites from their bodies. However, do not use the products meant for dogs (especially those treatments used on a bigger breed of canine) on your cats. It is because cats and dogs have different requirements, and the same treatment may not offer desired results. Have a look at some of the treatment measures for removing ticks from cats.
- Tick powder
Tick powder can help in killing both ticks and fleas on your cat’s body. The active ingredients present in these powders interact with the bugs and kill them. After spraying these powders, you will notice a large number of ticks on the upper part of the cat’s fur. It is because dead warts lose their bites and tend to appear on the upper part of the skin. However, spray only a small amount of the powder, as it contains very fine particles that can enter the pet’s lungs through the nose and cause respiratory issues. - Oral tablets
Oral tablets are one of the best tick treatments for cats. Most of these pills come with a once-in-a-month dose. You just need to administer these tablets once in a month and help your cat stay away from ticks. Sometimes, veterinarians also prescribe tick medicines meant for a small breed of dogs to cats. - Topical creams
Topical creams are fast-acting solutions for tick infestations in cats. You can conveniently use these products on kittens above six months of age or weighing more than 2.6 pounds. Since cats do not require ingesting these medicines, they do not make any fuss during the application process. However, if you have small children in the house, make them aware of the tick treatment. They should not touch the skin or fur of the cat immediately after the application of creams.
Treatment options for ticks in rabbits
Rabbits are tender animals, and you have to be extra careful while removing ticks from their bodies. Usually, there are two groups of ticks infesting rabbits - Ixodid ticks (with a tough outer shell protecting their body) and Argasid ticks (body devoid of the shell). If you do not remove the ticks in time, they can survive up to three to four days on the host. However, do not use collars meant for cats or dogs on rabbits as they contain a high dose of the medicine, which can react with the nervous system of the gentle animal. Here are some of the smart tick treatments meant especially for rabbits.
- Using tweezers
Tweezers are tools with fine tips for handling small objects, which can be challenging to manage with bare hands. They help dislodge ticks from the rabbit’s skin. Grab the tick by its head and gently remove it with tweezers. Do not hold the body of the parasite as it can break into two halves, leaving the infection-causing head embedded in your pet’s skin. - Brushing with comb
Use a fine comb to brush the coat of the rabbit. Since ticks are 1 to 2 millimeters in length, you will be able to notice them while combing and can carefully remove them.
Treatment options for ticks in birds
Ticks can also attack pet birds like parrots, parakeets, and cockatoos. Similar to rabbits, these avian family members are too delicate to treat with medicines or collars. It is better to use natural ingredients-based sprays as a tick treatment. Check the label of ingredients before using them on birds, as harsh chemicals like alcohol can cause an adverse reaction.
However, at this point, it is worth remembering that caged birds have minimal chances of getting infested with ticks unless your house is prone to these parasites. So, people with pet birds should put more emphasis on making their house tick-free to prevent infestations. Spray the house with anti-tick chemicals, especially the curtains, upholstery, and old furniture. It will prevent the entry of ticks efficiently.
To wrap up
Knowing how to tackle tick infestations in common pets can make you a responsible and caring pet parent. Remember to consult a vet before adopting a tick treatment, especially if your pet suffers from any health condition or has allergies.
