Tick Season Is Here! Vets Share How to Choose the Best Flea and Tick Collars and a Safe Tick Removal Kit

Lately, many pet owners have been coming to the clinic with their furry friends, saying they didn't even go near the woods, but somehow their dog picked up a few "raised bumps" at home. Upon closer look, the bumps had moving legs! That's right, as the weather heats up, the bugs we commonly call "wood ticks" or seed ticks—black-legged ticks—are entering their peak active season. Don't underestimate these little eight-legged creatures; the trouble they bring is more than just a blood meal. Recently, there have been reports in the southern U.S. of people contracting STARI (Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness) after a bite, causing quite a bit of concern.

It's Not Just About Protecting Your Dog; You Need to Watch Out for Tick-Borne Illnesses, Too

Older generations always said that a tick bite could give you a fever, and they weren't wrong. Besides the well-known Lyme disease, there have been numerous cases of STARI popping up across the U.S. in recent years. This illness is primarily transmitted through tick bites. A few days after being bitten, you might suddenly develop a high fever, headache, and a rash all over your body. We recently heard about a case in Connecticut where someone initially thought they just had the flu, but it wasn't until a full-body rash appeared that they realized something was seriously wrong. So, when you take your furry kids hiking or for a run in the park, it's crucial not only to give them a full-body brush-down when you get home but also to take a good shower yourself and check for any uninvited guests hiding in thin-skinned areas like your armpits or groin.

Battle Plan for Pet Tick Prevention: How to Choose the Most Effective Collar

When it comes to protecting your dog from pests, the easiest method is using a flea and tick collar. The market is flooded with all kinds of dog flea and tick collars, and many owners ask me which one is best. The key to choosing isn't about flashy features, but about "longevity" and "safety."

If you own a high-energy large breed like a Golden Retriever or a Labrador, I'd definitely recommend considering a long-lasting option like the Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Large Dogs, which offers 8-month protection. The beauty of it is that you put it on once and 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, making it relatively safe for large dogs. Plus, it's water-resistant, so you don't need to remove it for baths, which is a huge time-saver. Of course, if you have a small breed dog, be sure to pick a collar specifically designed for them and adjust it to the right fit—you should be able to slip two fingers comfortably between the collar and their neck.

Three Key Things to Remember When Buying a Flea and Tick Collar:

• Check for Approval: Whether you're shopping online or at a pet store, always look for an EPA registration number or an approved NADA (New Animal Drug Application) number on the packaging. 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 trimmed-off piece in tape before throwing it away to avoid contaminating household surfaces.
• Monitor Initial Reactions: For the first day or two after putting on a new collar, keep an eye on your dog for excessive scratching or skin redness, which could be signs of an allergic reaction. If you notice anything, remove the collar immediately and consult your veterinarian.

What to Do If You Find a Tick: A Safe Tick Removal SOP

Even with the best preparation, these eight-legged pests can sometimes be successful hitchhikers. When this happens, don't be tempted to just pull it off with your fingers! If you accidentally break off the tick's mouthparts and leave them in the skin, it can actually lead to a worse infection. Your home first-aid kit should absolutely include a proper tick removal tool. The best options are "tick twisters" (which look like little hooks) or fine-point tweezers.

The correct removal process isn't hard, but precision is key:

• Step 1: First, dab the tick with rubbing alcohol to stun or kill it, which may cause it to loosen its mouthparts.
• Step 2: Using your tick removal tool, get as close to the skin as possible. Slide the tool in from the side to grasp the tick by its head (right where it enters the skin). Whatever you do, don't squeeze its engorged body, as that can push potentially infectious fluids back into the bite wound.
• Step 3: Apply steady, even pressure pulling straight "up" and away from the skin, like you're pulling out a nail. Do not twist or yank, as this can cause the head to break off.
• Step 4: After removal, clean the bite area thoroughly with soap and water, and then disinfect it with rubbing alcohol or iodine. It's best to dispose of the dead tick by wrapping it tightly in tape and throwing it in the trash, or flushing it down the toilet, to ensure it can't cause any more trouble.

In the coming months, temperatures will only continue to climb, and tick activity will skyrocket. For the sake of your furry family members and your own health, tick prevention really can't wait. Starting today, choose a good collar for your dog and add a simple post-outing check to your routine. That's how we can all relax and enjoy every sunny day out together.