We all know that pitbulls are loveable, active, and smart dogs. Aside from their regular exercise and a healthy diet we should also be prepared for the tick infestations. As pet owners, we need to have knowledge on how to get rid of ticks fast.
But, no matter how prepared are we, those ticks will still latch on to our pitbulls. Thus, removal of ticks is not the only thing that we should worry about. Moreover, ticks can drain blood from our pitbulls and can also transmit deadly diseases as well.
Before we go directly to the removal of this kind of prey, let us take a quick glance at some information about those ticks. Let us first find out how does it affect our pitbulls for us to figure out ways on how to get rid of ticks fast.
What are Tick-borne Diseases in Pitbulls?
Tick-borne disease is transmitted by ticks to our canine friend. Ticks are parasites that attach themselves to our pitbulls, feed blood, and directly transmit diseases to their system. Records show that every year, thousands of dogs are infected by this dangerously transmitted diseases.
Transmission of most of the tick-borne diseases does not take effect immediately. Better to get off those ticks from our pitbulls within 24 to 36 hours after a tick bite. That way our Pit is unlikely to get infected and that shows the importance of regular checking of our pitbulls for the presence of ticks.
There are different types of Tick-borne Diseases in pitbulls that are carried by different kinds of ticks. Listed below are the different types of Tick-borne Diseases that can affect our pitbulls:
1. Lyme Disease
Also known as Borrelia burgorferi, Lyme Disease is transmitted by a Deer tick or Blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis). The highest incidence of this tick infestation is recorded in the Northeastern and upper Midwestern US. Lyme Disease is now becoming endemic in Western Pennsylvania and Pittsburgh Pittsburgh.
This may cause stiffness, distended joints, absence of appetite, high-grade temperature, and fatigue. However, these signs may not be noticed to our pitbulls until several months after infected.
2. Erlichiosis
Erlichiosis is found worldwide and is the most common and one of the most dangerous Tick-borne Disease known to infect dogs. Another term for this Tick-borne Disease is known as Erlichiosis canis. Generally, the Lone star tick (Ambylomma americanum) is the one responsible for the transmission of this disease.
Similar to Lyme Disease, evidence of the illness are not observed after its transmission within months. High-grade temperature, absence of appetite, panic, lack of weight, watery eyes, bleeding nose, and distended limbs are the symptoms of this disease. This is most prevalent in South Central and Eastern US.
3. Anaplasmosis
Commonly called as dog fever or dog tick fever, Anaplasmosis is also transmitted by the deer tick. Anaplasmosis or Anaplasma platys have symptoms comparable to different tick illnesses. These symptoms include high-grade temperature, absence of appetite, rigid joints, and weakness.
Moreover, vomiting are also observed as well as diarrhea. In extreme cases, pitbulls infested by this disease may suffer from seizures. This is usually seen in Northeast and upper Midwest and Pacific Coast.
4. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Rickettsia ricketsii or Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is transmitted by three types of ticks. These ticks are the types of the American dog, the brown dog, and the Rocky Mountain wood. This disease is characterized by fever, stiffness, neurological problems, and skin lesions.
Typically, this last for about two weeks. However, there are some serious cases that could result to death. The highest incidence of this disease is recorded in Arkansas, Delaware, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Tennessee.
5. Babesiosis
Babesiosis or Babesia microti is typically transmitted by the American dog tick and the brown dog tick. This tick-borne disease usually causes anemia with symptoms like pale gums, weakness, and vomiting. Babesiosis is most prevalently seen in the Northeast and upper Midwest.
Signs of Tick-borne Diseases on Pitbull
Generally, most of the Tick-borne diseases have similar signs and symptoms which includes swollen lymph nodes, pain and swelling in the joints, loss of appetite, and fever. Immediate attention should be given to our pitbulls to prevent serious complications. But, if this happen, better to seek medical advice from your veterinarian.
However, upon professional diagnosis, vets may find additional symptoms such as regenerative anemia, leukocytosis, leukopenia, numerous eye conditions, and thrombocytopenia. It also includes blood clotting problems, proteinuria, bone marrow suppression, polyuria, polydipsia, and kidney and liver failure.
Do’s and Don’ts in Removing Ticks
We immediately seek ways on how to get rid of ticks fast once we found out that our pitbulls are infested by this parasites. Removing those ticks is an essetial part of prevention of the Tick-borne diseases. Before we discuss those tips on how to get rid of ticks fast, let’s take a look first at the following do’s and don’ts.
DO’s
- Remove ticks within 24 to 36 hours of a bite.
We need to do a physical check-up on our pitbulls on a regular basis. Do this every time they went out in areas where they can get those ticks. Some pitbulls may show their body areas where they have a tick by scratching or biting themselves repeatedly. So better keep an eye on this dog’s behavior.
- Thorough physical check-up.
Ticks usually like to be in places like our pitbull’s groin, between their toes, around their ears and anal area, their tails, and eyelids. It is very much advisable to check our pitbulls thoroughly all over.
- Use tweezers
In doing this, part our pitbull’s hair around the tick with our fingers. Then, place the tweezers around the tick. Pull gently upwards with steady hands but with added pressure until the tick lets pull it away from the pitbull’s skin. Clean the bite are and dispose of the tick by killing it in alcohol or flush it down the toilet.
DON’Ts
- Remove ticks with our fingers.
It is a no-no to remove ticks with our bare fingers. However, if there is no tweezer available, protect our fingers with a tissue or paper towel. It is also best to disinfect our hands afterwards. This way, we can prevent our hands from the tick saliva or blood which may contain pathogens.
- Crush a tick
Crushing a tick can force the infected body fluids to burst out through the tick’s mouth. This may possibly increase the risk of infection not only for our pitbulls but also for us.
- Put substances on the tick while it’s on our dog.
Putting substances like nail polish, vaseline or repellents on the tick to suffocate or kill it while on our pitbull’s body can cause additional harm. Substances like this can cause the tick to vomit into our pitbull, thus increasing the possibility of infection.
- Dispose of the tick anywhere.
It is not advisable to dispose of the tick anywhere even in the trashcan or sink. This may only cause the tick to infest our pooch again because they can easily crawl back out.
Quick Tips on How to Get Rid of Ticks Fast
Here are some quick tips to help to get off those parasites in our pitbulls.
Avoid the following…
Many chemical tick preventives that are commercially available in the market can help us how to get rid of ticks fast. However, they can possibly cause harm to our Pits. Included in the list are the spot-on and sprays or collars. They generally repel those parasites but they are toxic and can cause risky side effects in our pitbulls.
Oral tick preventives that are given monthly or every three months are also available. This may sound very convenient but there are risks involved. Orally taken, this meds circulate in the bloodstream of our pitbull and generally work by attacking the nervous system of the tick to kill it. This process is somehow and can also be dangerous for our pitbulls.
There are noticeable side effects of administering this drugs to our pitbulls. And since it is given orally and directly going to the bloodstream, this drug will stay inside their system for weeks or months.
Instead of giving these substances for convenient purposes, try to switch on some home remedies that can help on how to get rid of ticks fast. Below are advice and important information on how to get rid of dog ticks home remedies.
How to Get Rid of Dog Ticks Home Remedies
Switching from oral and chemical tick preventives to home remedies in getting rid of ticks is not that difficult. We just need to look inside our house and make use of the available resources that are there either in the kitchen or garden. Here is a list of natural home remedies that can help us to get rid of those ticks.
1. Garlic
Thinking on how to get rid of dog ticks home remedies easily? Well, garlic is the key. It helps repel ticks when it is excreted through our pitbull’s skin. Aside from that, garlic is also a healthy addition to our Pits diet provided that we are feeding the right dose. We only need about 1/3 teaspoon of fresh chopped garlic per 10 lbs of our dog’s body weight.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is another kitchen essential that can help us to get rid of dog ticks. The recommended dose of it per 25 lbs of our pitbull’s body weight is 1/2 teaspoon per day. Simply add it to our dog’s food or water bowl. Not only that it can help in getting off those ticks in our pitbull’s body, but it also adds acidity to their blood. This makes our pitbulls less appealing to ticks and even fleas.
Another application of apple cider vinegar in getting rid of those tick is in the form of a spray. Mix one portion of apple cider vinegar with half its amount in a bowl, depending on the size of our pitbull. Add a teaspoon of salt and some baking soda into the mixture.
Put this mixture in a spray bottle. Shake well before using it on the pitbull. Lavender oil can be used together with this apple cider vinegar spray.
3. Neem Oil
Another natural way on how to get rid of dog ticks home remedies is by the use of neem oil. Neem oil is among the most preferred oils known in removing ticks from our pitbull’s body. It has antiseptic and antibacterial properties which sanitize the bitten area. However, this natural oil may be too harsh for our pitbulls who have sensitive skin.
In cases like this, better to dilute the neem oil with a carrier oil before applying it to our doggy. Just simply pour some drops of the oil on your palm and gently rub it on our pitbull’s skin.
A spray using neem oil for our pitbull’s skin can also be made. This is prepared by mixing 2 tablespoons of neem oil with an equal amount of mild detergent and mix well. Add a cup of water into this mixture and shake well. It is advisable to use this neem spray to our Pits immediately up to a maximum of 8 hours later.
4. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is another natural way on how to get rid of dog ticks home remedies. By the use of lemon juice, getting ticks off our pitbulls is one of a great way as it contains citric acid. It is also considered as an easy way of killing and repelling ticks. This works by directly squeezing the fresh lemon juice directly on the affected area of our pitbull.
Furthermore, to make a lemon juice spray, simply mix an equal amount of lemon juice and peppermint. Another way to use it and make it a way on how to get rid of dog ticks home remedies is by applying it to our pitbulls as a bath. Boil the lemon peels in water and bathe the pitbull with it. Aside from repelling ticks, it can also disinfect any areas bitten by the ticks.
5. Eaucalyptus Oil
This oil is known as an effective tick repeller and killer. Combine 4 ounces of purified or distilled water to a small spray bottle and 20 drops of eucalyptus oil. Shake well before spraying on the pitbull’s body.
Hope that this simply home remedy tips would help you and your pitbull in getting rid of those parasites.