With the arrival of spring, tick season also begins in Austria. This is a reason for caution, especially for dog owners, as ticks can transmit dangerous diseases such as TBE, Lyme disease, and others. Here at Loxovet , you'll learn how to effectively protect your dog from ticks and how to react appropriately if one does occur.
Why tick protection is so important
The common tick, the meadow tick, and the brown dog tick are particularly active in Austria, lurking in tall grass and undergrowth. A bite from these parasites can cause serious health problems for your dog, as they transmit dangerous pathogens through their saliva.
Prevention is the best protection
To protect your dog, the European expert committee ESCCAP recommends using tick protection products throughout the entire tick season. In regions where tick-borne diseases are common, you should even protect your dog year-round. Check your dog for ticks daily, especially after walks in nature, and remove any ticks promptly to minimize the risk of disease transmission.
Remove ticks correctly
If, despite all precautions, a tick has bitten your dog, you need to act quickly. You can use special tick tweezers, a tick hook, or a tick card to remove it. It's important to grasp the tick as close to the head as possible and pull it out slowly and carefully, perpendicular to the skin. Avoid squeezing the tick's body to minimize the risk of infectious fluid entering the wound.
After removing the tick, you should clean the bite area with alcohol or a disinfectant. Treatment with Loxovet SOS Gel can also help soothe the skin and promote healing.
Summary
By following the steps above, you can effectively protect your dog from ticks and react appropriately in an emergency. Regular checks and proper tick removal are essential to keeping your dog healthy and happy during tick season. Stay vigilant and ensure your four-legged friend is protected.
