Tick-Tock, TICKS!

Until recently, I was under the impression that many ticks die off after the first hard freeze. Unfortunately, that’s not accurate. Ticks burrow down and hibernate. Once the snow falls and compacts itself on the ground, that typically just holds them in place until spring.

Here in the North East, this winter has been particularly warm. Actually… because of climate change, the last few winters have been pretty light. That has given ticks a better foothold in our surrounding areas. As someone who has frequently been on nature trails and conservation areas this past winter, I can attest to the fact that the ticks basically never went away. Only slowed down. I’ve found ticks on dogs every month this winter and it’s looking like this spring will be even more annoying.

What can you do to help your pet be safe in the face of a mounting tick army? Preventatives like Frontline or other pet-safe insect repellent will help. Keeping a sharp eye on your pet and removing any ticks you see latch on is another tactic that will help them avoid the most dangerous aspects of diseases that ticks carry.

Being out in the wild is one thing, but what can you do for your own yard? Keeping the grass trimmed, the pet’s area clear of leaves, and moving obstacles with a lot of crevices all help keep the ticks at bay. You can also spray your yards, personally I avoid harsh chemicals that could harm your pets or family. Spraying cedar oil around your yard and home is a great way to limit ticks and other insects in your space while avoiding dangerous poisons. Also, it makes your yard smell nice :-)

Whatever you do, be safe with those little six-legged monsters!

• Colin Carlton
  Owner, Due North Dogs