Tick Season is Here! Vet Shares Tips on Choosing Flea Collars and Safe Tick Removal Kits

Recently, many pet parents have been coming to the clinic saying they haven't even taken their furry kids to grassy areas, yet they've found several "raised bumps" on their dogs at home. Upon closer look, the bumps have moving legs! That's right, as the weather gets hotter, the notorious ticks are entering their peak active season. Don't underestimate these little eight-legged creatures; they bring more trouble than just a blood meal. Recently, there have even been reports in the southern part of the country of people getting infected with so-called "Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness" after a bite, which has everyone worried.

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

Our elders always said that a tick bite would give you a fever, and that's absolutely true. Besides the well-known Lyme disease, there have been quite a few cases of "Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness" popping up across the country in recent years. This illness is mainly transmitted through tick bites, and a few days after being bitten, you might suddenly develop a high fever, headache, and a rash all over your body. Just recently, there was a case in New Taipei City where someone initially thought they just had a cold, but only realized something was wrong when they broke out in a full-body rash. So, when you take your furry family member hiking or for a run these days, a full-body brush-down and check is a must when you get home. But don't stop there – you should also take a good shower and check your own body, especially areas like armpits and groin where the skin is thin, for any uninvited guests.

The Great Pet Tick Prevention Campaign: How to Choose the Most Effective Collar?

When it comes to protecting your dog from pests, one of the easiest methods is using flea and tick collars. The market is now flooded with all kinds of dog flea & tick collars, and many pet parents ask me which one is best. Actually, the key isn't about how fancy they look, but about their "longevity" and "safety."

If you own a large, active breed like a Golden Retriever or a Labrador, I'd highly recommend considering a long-lasting product like the Seresto 8-month flea and tick collar for large dogs. The beauty of it is that you put it on once, 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 by being absorbed directly into the bloodstream. This makes it relatively safer for large dogs, and you don't even need to remove it for baths – it's a real time-saver. Of course, if you have a smaller breed, remember to choose a collar specifically designed for small dogs and adjust it to the right tightness. A good rule of thumb is to ensure you can slip two fingers comfortably between the collar and your dog's neck.

Keep These Three Points in Mind When Buying a Flea and Tick Collar:

• Look for the Approval Number: Whether you're shopping online or at a pet store, make sure the packaging clearly displays the government-approved veterinary drug license number. Collars from unknown sources could potentially be toxic for your dog.
• Ensure a Proper Fit: Trim any excess length from the collar to prevent your dog from chewing on it or accidentally swallowing it while playing. Wrap the leftover piece in tape before throwing it away to prevent the medication from rubbing off on household items.
• Watch for Initial Reactions: For the first day or two after putting on the collar, keep an eye on your dog for signs of allergies like excessive scratching or skin redness. If you notice anything, remove the collar immediately and consult your vet.

What to Do If Your Pet Gets "Lucky"? The Safe Tick Removal Tool SOP

Even with all the precautions, sometimes these "eight-legged freaks" still manage to get through. Whatever you do, don't just pull them off with your fingers! If you accidentally leave the tick's mouthparts embedded in the skin, it can actually lead to a worse infection. Your home first-aid kit should definitely include a professional tick removal tool, ideally a "tick remover" that looks like a small hook, or a pair of fine-tipped tweezers.

The correct removal steps aren't too difficult, but you need to be precise:

• Step 1: First, spray the tick with alcohol to stun or kill it, which encourages it to loosen its mouthparts.
• Step 2: Using your tick removal tool, get as close to the skin as possible, sliding it in from the side of the tick. Grip the tick by its head (right where it meets the skin). Whatever you do, don't squeeze its bloated body, as that can push the bacteria back into the wound.
• Step 3: Apply steady, "vertical" upward pressure, pulling slowly as if you were drawing out a nail. Twisting or yanking suddenly can easily cause the head to break off.
• Step 4: Once removed, wash the bite area thoroughly with soap and water, then disinfect with alcohol or iodine. It's best to wrap the dead tick in tape, seal it in a packet, and throw it in the trash, or flush it down the toilet to ensure it can't cause any more trouble.

In the coming months, temperatures will only get higher, and tick activity will surge right along with them. For the sake of our furry kids and the whole family's health, tick prevention really can't wait. Starting today, choose a good collar for your dog and add that extra check-up step after every outing. That's how we can all relax and enjoy those sunny days out.