Tick Season is Here! Vet Tips on Choosing the Best Flea Collars & Safe Removal Kits

Lately, we've seen heaps of pet owners in the clinic whose dogs have come home with unusual bumps, even without a trip to the bush. On closer look, those bumps have legs! Yep, as the weather heats up, ticks are entering their peak season. Don't underestimate these tiny eight-legged critters. They cause more drama than just sucking blood. Recently, there have been reports in southern regions of people contracting "Scrub Typhus" from tick bites, which has everyone on edge.

It's Not Just About Protecting Your Dog; Humans Need to Watch Out for "Tick Diseases" Too

Older generations always said a tick bite would give you a fever, and they weren't wrong. Besides the well-known Lyme disease, there have been a number of "Scrub Typhus" cases popping up around Taiwan in recent years. This illness is transmitted by ticks. A few days after a bite, you might suddenly come down with a high fever, headache, and a full-body rash. There was a recent case in New Taipei City where someone thought they just had a cold, but then a rash appeared and they knew something was up. So, after taking your furry friend for a bushwalk, it's crucial to give them a full groom and check for ticks. You should also have a good shower and check yourself for any uninvited guests in places like your armpits or groin, where the skin is thin.

Operation Tick Prevention for Pets: How to Choose the Most Effective Collar?

When it comes to protecting your dog from pests, the easiest method is using a good flea and tick collar. The market is flooded with different dog flea and tick collars, and owners often ask me which one is best. The key isn't about how fancy they look, but about "long-lasting protection" and "safety".

If you own a high-energy large breed like a Golden Retriever or Labrador, I'd definitely recommend considering a long-lasting option like the Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Large Dogs (8 Month Protection). The beauty of it is you put it on and you don't have to worry about it for the next eight months. It works by slowly releasing the active ingredients into the dog's natural skin oils, not directly into their bloodstream, making it a relatively safe option for big dogs. You can even leave it on during baths, which is super convenient. Of course, if you have a small dog, make sure you choose a collar specifically designed for their size and adjust it to the right tightness – you should be able to slip two fingers comfortably underneath.

Three Key Things to Remember When Buying a Flea Collar:

• Check for the Permit Number: Whether you're buying online or at a pet shop, always look for the official animal medicine permit number on the packaging. Collars of unknown origin could be toxic for your dog.
• Get the Right Fit: Trim any excess length from the collar to stop your dog from chewing on it or accidentally swallowing it while playing. Wrap the offcut in sticky tape before binning it to prevent the chemicals from getting onto household surfaces.
• Watch for Initial Reactions: In the first day or two after putting the collar on, keep an eye on your dog for any signs of excessive scratching or skin irritation. If you see any, take the collar off immediately and chat with your vet.

What If Your Pet Gets a Tick? Your Safe Removal Tool SOP

Even with the best preparation, these little critters can sometimes get through. Whatever you do, don't just try to pull them off with your fingers! If you accidentally leave the tick's mouthparts embedded in the skin, it can lead to a nasty infection. It's essential to have a proper tick removal tool at home – ideally a specialised "tick twister" or a pair of fine-tipped tweezers.

The correct removal process isn't hard, but you need to be precise:

• Step 1: Give the tick a spray with some alcohol to stun or kill it, which should help it loosen its grip.
• Step 2: Get your removal tool right up against the skin, sliding it in from the side of the tick. Grip it firmly by the head (right where it enters the skin). Whatever you do, don't squeeze its bloated body, or you might push infected fluids back into the wound.
• Step 3: Apply steady, upwards pressure, "perpendicular" to the skin, and pull slowly and evenly, as if you're drawing out a nail. Twisting or yanking it increases the chance of the head breaking off.
• Step 4: Once it's out, wash the bite area thoroughly with soap and water, then disinfect with alcohol or iodine. It's best to wrap the dead tick in sticky tape before throwing it in the bin, or flush it down the toilet, just to be sure it can't cause any more trouble.

Over the next few months, temperatures will only keep climbing, and so will tick activity. For the sake of your pets and your whole family, tick prevention is a must. So, grab a good collar for your dog today and add that extra post-walk check to your routine. That way, we can all enjoy those sunny days out without worry.