Why Is Dog Tick Prevention So Important?

Ticks, while typically regarded as annoying pests, are actually classified as parasites. Unlike mosquitoes, ticks do not just bite and move along. They latch onto their hosts using a beak-like projection and can feed on a host’s blood for days or even weeks before they are noticed. Not only are ticks a hazard to human health, but many of the same dangerous diseases that negatively impact us can also be incredibly concerning for our pets. 

Tick-Borne Diseases

Lyme Disease is the most commonly known disease that is transmitted by ticks. In dogs, Lyme Disease can be caused by a bite from the black-legged tick (known as “deer ticks”) and symptoms can appear in the form of fever, lameness, limping, joint pain/swelling, enlargement of lymph nodes, and lethargy. In the most severe cases, canine Lyme Disease can progress to fatal kidney disease.

Canine Ehrlichiosis is another serious tick-borne illness caused by three different types of ticks, all of which are common here in New England: the brown dog tick, the Lone Star tick, and the black-legged (“deer”) tick. Symptoms of ehrlichiosis in dogs include, but are not limited to, fever, lack of appetite, nose bleeds, bruising, or anemia as a result of low blood platelets. If identified quickly, recovery time is short, but if symptoms go untreated, pets are at risk of advancing to what is called the “chronic” phase of this disease, and recovery is not guaranteed.

Finally, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is a tick-borne illness that affects both dogs and humans. The American dog tick, Rocky Mountain wood tick, and brown deer tick are known carriers of this disease. Common canine symptoms include fever, poor appetite, swollen lymph nodes, and joint pain.

What Can You Do?

Mosquito Squad professionals urge all our customers to consult their trusted veterinarians to obtain dog tick prevention products as a first defense against tick bites. In addition, we believe in hiring a team of trusted pest control professionals to administer dog tick prevention methods regularly throughout the year. It’s important to consider outdoor flea treatment in your yard as well, as tick and flea season can last beyond just the summer months. Any time the temperature is sustained above 45 degrees, there is a chance for tick activity.

How Can Mosquito Squad Help?

Mosquito Squad offers two types of dog tick prevention:

• Our barrier treatment effectively controls mosquitoes and ticks by reducing populations in the treated area. 
• The tick tube method and granular treatments are effective add-on options. Tick tubes use biodegradable products placed underground and relies on local wildlife to spread the treatment throughout your property to minimize tick breeding grounds, while our granular treatments include the yard defender package, which defends against ticks, fleas, mound-building ants, and mosquitoes. 

Mosquito Squad’s trained technicians provide recurring dog tick prevention treatments during tick season, typically from late April to late September. During our initial visit, we will inspect your property to identify problem areas and breeding grounds, such as wooded areas, high grasses, mulch beds, and more. Our professionals concentrate special attention on these areas when administering dog tick prevention treatments to maximize efficiency and minimize tick populations. 

Mosquito Squad’s trusted barrier spray treatment can help protect your canine companions from both tick and mosquito-borne illness. Contact us today to receive a free quote and get started with dog tick prevention in Hartford.