Question: Why should I use a tick preventative if I had my dog vaccinated for Lyme disease?
Answer: Lyme disease is not the only disease ticks can carry. Ticks are also known to carry/cause: Erlichia, Babesia, Anaplasmosis, Tick-borne paralysis etc… Best to cover all your bases and use that tick preventative!
Question: Why should I vaccinate for Lyme disease if my dog is already on a tick preventative?
Answer: Although the products we prescribe are effective at killing ticks, in most cases the tick will still have time to attach to your pet. There are also several strains of Lyme disease, and just like getting your flu shot doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll never get the flu, you’re giving yourself an extra measure of protection.
Question: My dog is on a tick preventative and is vaccinated for Lyme disease…so why do I need to remove the tick? Won’t it die?
Answer: Depending on the tick preventative you’re using, a tick may remain attached to your pet for 24 hours before dying/detaching. While it is attached there is still a risk that it can transmit a disease.
Question: I’ve seen online that peppermint oil is best for removing ticks. Is this true?
Answer: Essential oils, though natural, don’t come without risks. They can pose serious health hazards to other pets in the household. The other issue is that the oil is supposed to irritate the tick to the point where it detaches. However, by irritating the tick, it is very likely that it will regurgitate its contents Prior to detaching. This makes the risk of infection even greater!
Question: What is the best way of removing a tick?
Answer: The hands down best way of removing a tick is with a tick-removal tool such as a Tick-Twister. It limits any contact with the tick, works on differently sized ticks, removes the tick with the head attached and prevents squeezing of the body which can send the tick’s contents into your pet (or you!).
Are you still pondering a tick-related question? Give us a call at Acadia for some expert advice!
Written by The Acadia Veterinary Team
