Ticks
Carriers of Serious Disease
Ticks are a parasitic arachnid, in the same phylum as spiders, scorpions, and mites. They feed on the host’s blood with a specially formed mouth piece that is burrowed under the skin and anchored with barbs.
Ticks may take several days to complete feeding. They feed slowly and often go unnoticed. Because of this method of feeding, ticks are able to spread disease in both dogs and humans.
Life Cycle of the Flea
Where They Come From
The life cycle of the tick happens in four stages: egg, six-legged larva, eight-legged nymph, and adult. In each stage, the tick feeds, drops of the host, molts into the next stage, and then searches for the next appropriate host.
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Removing a Tick
Sooner the Better, But Take Your Time
Begin by swabbing the tick with alcohol. With a pair of tweezers, firmly grasp the tick close to the skin. Gently pull the tick strait out, not twisting. Thoroughly disinfect the wound and the tweezers, and wash hands with plenty of soap. Never touch a tick with your bare hands.
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Kinds of Tick
Tick Identification
American Dog (Wood) Tick (Dermacentor variabilis)
Lone Star Tick (Amblyomma americanum)
Blacklegged (Deer) Tick (Ixodes scapularis)
Brown Dog Tick (Kennel Tick) (Rhipicephalus sanguineus)
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