Parasite

anaconda · 05-02-2006, 06:27 AM

I found a parasite on Finn today. It was small, dark red very flat. Eight legs. It could be a tick but I'm not sure, being a first time unexperienced puppy owner etc. I tried to get it off him but it crawled into his fur. It's not surprising if it is a tick as we go to the country a lot. Thing is, what should I do about it?

P.S.: Finn scratches quite a lot too. Has he got fleas or lice or what? He has a flea collar. If it's lice I'll feel offended seeing as in the book it says they're usually found on neglected dogs. *Sulks.*

ewarp · 05-02-2006, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anaconda

I found a parasite on Finn today. It was small, dark red very flat. Eight legs. It could be a tick but I'm not sure, being a first time unexperienced puppy owner etc. I tried to get it off him but it crawled into his fur. It's not surprising if it is a tick as we go to the country a lot. Thing is, what should I do about it?

P.S.: Finn scratches quite a lot too. Has he got fleas or lice or what? He has a flea collar. If it's lice I'll feel offended seeing as in the book it says they're usually found on neglected dogs. *Sulks.*

That bug sounds like a tick. If/when I find a tick on my dogs, I save it and have a friend who works for the DNR identify it for me. Grab a fine tooth comb and go over him incredibly thoroughly. If you're not willing to do thorough inspections daily to make sure there aren't ticks, you should probably use a product that repels/kills fleas and ticks. I'm sure someone else here can suggest a product... just be sure to research the product and make an informed decision!

As for the scratching, it could be dry skin, shampoo that wasn't rinsed thoroughly, allergies, ringworm, mange, fleas, any number of things.

Spiritus · 05-02-2006, 08:15 AM

Yes, it does sound like a tick. As suggested, go through his coat thoroughly with a comb, paying special attention around the ears, throat, neck, armpits. If you find one, since you probably haven't removed one before, find someone who has experience with it, or even go to your vet so he can show you how to remove it properly. The key to removing biting ticks is to grab it so close to the skin that you get the head out too.

The product I use for ticks/fleas is Revolution. It is an oily liquid and is applied between the shoulders of the dog. It doesn't actually "repel" ticks, but it does kill them once they bite. It needs to be applied monthly during tick season. It is bought through your vet.

If you do find a tick, and it is the first one you have ever dealt with, go see your vet to learn how to remove it and to talk about options for medicating.

WolfRyder · 05-02-2006, 09:23 AM

Just an FYI, due to the mild winter, the wood ticks are horrible and have been out much earlier than usual.

LVT · 05-02-2006, 04:01 PM

Revolution does not work for the majority of ticks. I would use frontline instead, but then keep in mind a separate heartworm medication is needed, as frontline does not include heartworm medication.

linnie · 05-03-2006, 01:43 AM

are the ticks in your area deadly???
we have one that will kill dogs.
I like to check my dogs regularly even in the ears and in the mouth.
Also I personally think a monthly or 6 weekly flea dose put onto the back of the neck is a much better way of keeping your dog flea free

anaconda · 05-07-2006, 06:55 AM

Quote:

are the ticks in your area deadly???
we have one that will kill dogs.

They must be the size of rabbits...

I hope not!

Quote:

Also I personally think a monthly or 6 weekly flea dose put onto the back of the neck is a much better way of keeping your dog flea free

We do. But I think it'¡s 2-monthly.

Thanks for all the advice!

princessjodi · 05-07-2006, 08:54 AM

I used to use k9 advantix...pretty good stuff...thats what my 'rents use. But since Joules is an indoor dog and we don't really go anywhere 'woodsy' I don't really use it anymore.

One thing I read on another forum is to add garlic to their food...like the old vampire thing...I guess garlic makes them unappealing to blood sucking insects. It A LOT less expensive than some of the preventative products out there...

fancychicken · 05-08-2006, 04:14 AM

I agree definatly sounds like a tick. Disgusting little buggers eh? Since you said FINN is also scratching a lot I would check him for fleas as well. he is light coated so it will be easier to see the fleas and or flea dirt (poop). Push his coat back in the opposit direction that it grows so you can see skin. If he has fleas you will either see the fleas or the dirt. It black and crunchy looking and it will be evrywhere. Like spiritus said check especially arm pits , belly , crotch area. Anyplace where the body temperature is warmer. If he does have fleas (or ticks) and you don't have him on any sort of worm preventative, I would get him to the vet and have him wormed A.S.A.P. then kepp him on a monthy dose. Dogs can get all sorts of yuckies from fleas.

anaconda · 05-08-2006, 09:14 AM

Quote:

One thing I read on another forum is to add garlic to their food

Urgh. He'll stink.

It'll be a definite inmprovement.

***Cassiepeia*** · 05-09-2006, 08:44 PM

Linnie's talking about the paralysis tick. It injects a poison into the animal it feeds off (dogs for example), which can be deadly.

Flea collars are useless unless they're put in a vacuum bag to help kill the fleas you vacuum up off your carpet. Don't bother with them on your dog.
I'd bath him in flea & tick wash and then after the appropriate amount of time I'd apply, as people have suggested, something like revolution, frontline etc...
Make sure you check and wash his bed as well, in case any fleas are in his bedding.

Cass.

LVT · 05-10-2006, 01:55 PM

there are also a number of ticke-borne diseases that can be transmitted from the tick to your pet, so if in a tick infested area, I definetely recommend using something as well as checking them thoroughly once they've come in from outdoors.
Careful with the garlic- it's toxic to dogs. Many people claim its ok and use it, but same with chocolate. Does go by weight but ALSO the sensitivity of the dog to it. Not worth it in my opinion.

05-02-2006, 06:27 AM	#1 (permalink)
anaconda Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Spain Posts: 410 Rep Power: 67	Parasite I found a parasite on Finn today. It was small, dark red very flat. Eight legs. It could be a tick but I'm not sure, being a first time unexperienced puppy owner etc. I tried to get it off him but it crawled into his fur. It's not surprising if it is a tick as we go to the country a lot. Thing is, what should I do about it? P.S.: Finn scratches quite a lot too. Has he got fleas or lice or what? He has a flea collar. If it's lice I'll feel offended seeing as in the book it says they're usually found on neglected dogs. Sulks.
	__________________

05-02-2006, 08:15 AM	#3 (permalink)
Spiritus Trust the Force... Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 513 Rep Power: 80	Yes, it does sound like a tick. As suggested, go through his coat thoroughly with a comb, paying special attention around the ears, throat, neck, armpits. If you find one, since you probably haven't removed one before, find someone who has experience with it, or even go to your vet so he can show you how to remove it properly. The key to removing biting ticks is to grab it so close to the skin that you get the head out too. The product I use for ticks/fleas is Revolution. It is an oily liquid and is applied between the shoulders of the dog. It doesn't actually "repel" ticks, but it does kill them once they bite. It needs to be applied monthly during tick season. It is bought through your vet. If you do find a tick, and it is the first one you have ever dealt with, go see your vet to learn how to remove it and to talk about options for medicating.
	__________________ Spiritus Belgian Shepherds U-CD Can. CH. Shay CD CGN HIC UKC/Can. CH. Trouble, Lexi, Jesse CGN, and youngsters Constantine and Deja .... and coming soon, our Valentine Litter * R.I.P. BOSS CH. Wren, and much loved puppy Tally *

05-03-2006, 01:43 AM	#6 (permalink)
linnie tibbie girl Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Australia Posts: 3,051 Rep Power: 171	are the ticks in your area deadly??? we have one that will kill dogs. I like to check my dogs regularly even in the ears and in the mouth. Also I personally think a monthly or 6 weekly flea dose put onto the back of the neck is a much better way of keeping your dog flea free
	__________________ Caution...Dogs can leave footprints on your heart

05-07-2006, 08:54 AM	#8 (permalink)
princessjodi Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 251 Rep Power: 70	I used to use k9 advantix...pretty good stuff...thats what my 'rents use. But since Joules is an indoor dog and we don't really go anywhere 'woodsy' I don't really use it anymore. One thing I read on another forum is to add garlic to their food...like the old vampire thing...I guess garlic makes them unappealing to blood sucking insects. It A LOT less expensive than some of the preventative products out there...
	__________________ Jodi & Joules

05-09-2006, 08:44 PM	#11 (permalink)
*Cassiepeia* Chihuahua Mum Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: NSW, Australia Posts: 8,281 Blog Entries: 9 Rep Power: 284	Linnie's talking about the paralysis tick. It injects a poison into the animal it feeds off (dogs for example), which can be deadly. Flea collars are useless unless they're put in a vacuum bag to help kill the fleas you vacuum up off your carpet. Don't bother with them on your dog. I'd bath him in flea & tick wash and then after the appropriate amount of time I'd apply, as people have suggested, something like revolution, frontline etc... Make sure you check and wash his bed as well, in case any fleas are in his bedding. Cass.
	__________________ Say NO! to animals in pet shops. Rescue a friend instead: Petfinder Get more out of Global Paw. Check out these great features. Book Club ~ Blogs ~ Art Classes ~ Woof Review As a member of Global paw staff my opinions are not necessarily those of the website or the owner.

05-02-2006, 09:23 AM	#4 (permalink)
WolfRyder Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Midwest Posts: 259 Rep Power: 59	Just an FYI, due to the mild winter, the wood ticks are horrible and have been out much earlier than usual.

05-02-2006, 04:01 PM	#5 (permalink)
LVT Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: NY Posts: 28 Rep Power: 0	Revolution does not work for the majority of ticks. I would use frontline instead, but then keep in mind a separate heartworm medication is needed, as frontline does not include heartworm medication.

05-08-2006, 04:14 AM	#9 (permalink)
fancychicken Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 823 Rep Power: 74	I agree definatly sounds like a tick. Disgusting little buggers eh? Since you said FINN is also scratching a lot I would check him for fleas as well. he is light coated so it will be easier to see the fleas and or flea dirt (poop). Push his coat back in the opposit direction that it grows so you can see skin. If he has fleas you will either see the fleas or the dirt. It black and crunchy looking and it will be evrywhere. Like spiritus said check especially arm pits , belly , crotch area. Anyplace where the body temperature is warmer. If he does have fleas (or ticks) and you don't have him on any sort of worm preventative, I would get him to the vet and have him wormed A.S.A.P. then kepp him on a monthy dose. Dogs can get all sorts of yuckies from fleas.

05-10-2006, 01:55 PM	#12 (permalink)
LVT Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: NY Posts: 28 Rep Power: 0	there are also a number of ticke-borne diseases that can be transmitted from the tick to your pet, so if in a tick infested area, I definetely recommend using something as well as checking them thoroughly once they've come in from outdoors. Careful with the garlic- it's toxic to dogs. Many people claim its ok and use it, but same with chocolate. Does go by weight but ALSO the sensitivity of the dog to it. Not worth it in my opinion.

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