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This parasite is not an insect like a flea, but is an arachnid like mites, spiders and scorpions. They have a four-stage life cycle: eggs, larvae, nymphs, and adults. Adult females of some species lay about 100 eggs at a time. Others lay 3,000 to 6,000 eggs per batch. Six-legged larvae hatch from the eggs. After at least one blood meal, the larvae molt into eight-legged nymphs--in some species, more than once. Final nymphs molt into adult males or females, also with eight legs. Depending on its species, a tick may take less than a year or up to several years to go through its four-stage life cycle. While these pests need a blood meal at each stage after hatching, some species can survive years without feeding.
The United States has about 200 different species of this arachnid. Habitats include woods, beach grass, lawns, forests, and even urban areas.
These pests may carry various infectious organisms that can transmit diseases to cats and dogs, including the following (listed with possible symptoms):
Debugging
To protect dogs from the discomfort and illness caused by these parasites, it's important to rid the pets of the pests. It's also important to treat a pet's environment to prevent or reduce the incidence of reinfestation.
Products to control these pests are not risk-free, however. Approved or registered products must warn users about the risks the product poses and give directions for safest use. Proban's label, for example, warns that the product is not for use in greyhounds, who are sensitive to the insecticide it contains, an organic phosphate. Also, some products should not be used together or when a pet is taking certain medicines.
Follow directions for use very carefully, even with over-the-counter products. If you don't understand the directions or have questions, talk to your veterinarian.
As pesticides are intended to kill pests, they generally are inherently toxic. Some products pose some risks, but they also offer significant benefits.
Virtually hundreds of pesticides and repellents are approved or licensed to control flea and tick populations on dogs or in their environment.
To select proper products for your pet's individual needs, talk to your veterinarian. It's a personal choice between you and your veterinarian about the best product to use and how to treat the animal, as well as the environment.
Using Flea and Tick Products
Read the entire label before use. If you don't understand something, ask your veterinarian.
If your dog is outside regularly, ask the veterinarian about the Lyme disease vaccine. Watch for itching, pain, appetite loss, lethargy, fever, swollen joints, or lameness. If you suspect a tick-borne disease, see the veterinarian pronto. With early diagnosis, antibiotics generally work.
The illustration above shows proper tick removal procedures. Using fine-point tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull gently. Make sure you've cleaned your hands, the bite site, and the tweezers with disinfectant. You may want to wear latex gloves.
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