Here in Las Vegas, the warmer months of the year bring about more insects than ever. One in particularly that flares up with the heat is the tick! If you spend time outside in your yard or hiking, there’s a chance you may encounter a tick problem in your family. These blood-suckers can latch onto people and pets alike. They are most infamous for spreading Lyme disease, the most common vector-borne disease in the United States. For this reason, it’s crucial to learn how to prevent ticks on your pets this summer. The team at Western Exterminator of Las Vegas is here to help with expert tips.

5 Tips to Prevent Ticks on Pets

Ticks are a very dangerous pest–and more common than you may want to believe. In the summer, there are several things you should do to keep ticks away:

Trim your shrubs and mow your lawn. By mowing your lawn regularly, you can make your yard less attractive to ticks. In addition, implement rodent prevention tactics to discourage rodents that could carry ticks.
Ask your vet about tick preventatives for your pets. Talk to your veterinarian about prevention or treatment options, including heartworm protection.
Inspect any pets that go outside for ticks on a daily basis. When inspecting, focus on areas under the legs and around the neck and ears. In addition, look out for excessive scratching, licking, or grooming behavior.
Avoid areas with tall grass or off-path trails. Ticks are known to be in areas with high grass, be careful to stay on trails when hiking or walking.
Protect your family from ticks. During the summer, regularly check yourself and family members for ticks after being outdoors. They can easily hop from you to your pets!

The Threats of Ticks for Dogs

Ticks are a parasitic pest that feed on the blood of their victims, including humans and pets. When an infected tick attaches to a dog for a few days, it’s possible for them to transmit Lyme disease, a serious bacterial infection. If you notice your pet is showing symptoms, including signs of depression, loss of appetite, fever, lameness, or swollen joins and lymph nodes, it’s important to contact your veterinarian. Ticks can also occasionally cause anemia in pets. Cats rarely get ticks, but could easily carry them into your home. From there, they can easily hop off you and onto other pets or family members, which is why it’s crucial to stay vigilant about their presence in your property.

How to Get Rid of Ticks in the Summer

If you or your pets are experiencing symptoms aligned with tick-borne disease, it’s important to act quickly and receive medical attention. Regularly clean your home on the inside and wash your pets bedding to keep ticks at bay. If you’re dealing with a tick problem, contact the exterminators at Western for advice and assistance!