How to Protect Your Dog Against Ticks Here in Idaho

It's tick season and there are lots of places around here where your dog may be more susceptible to picking up an annoying tick this time of the year. It's important to know what to look out for and how to properly remove one if you have to.

Generally, ticks follow wherever there is moisture in the air. They are more commonly found in higher elevations where there are wooded and grassy areas. This means springtime here in Idaho is prime time and location for ticks and they're always looking for a host.

Your dog could pick up a tick almost anywhere really so it's always a good idea to do a quick feel through whether after a hike in the foothills or a walk through the neighborhood. Sometimes you might be able to see the tick with a naked eye. If you feel any smalls bumps on the skin that you know weren't there before, then there's a good chance it cold be tick.

You'll want to remove the tick promptly. According to the American Kennel Club, diseases can be transmitted within 3-6 hours of a tick bite. Thankfully there are ways to remove the tick yourself.

Using fine-point tweezers, spread your dog’s fur and then grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Be very gentle and pull the tick straight upward, in a slow and steady motion. Your best bet for preventing and treating ticks is using a veterinary-approved flea and tick medicine such as Bravecto. Preventives such as this can be really effective.