Tick bites can be dangerous because they can spread tick borne illnesses, like Lyme disease.
As the weather warms and folks spend more time outside, it's important to pay close attention to the little things -- like ticks. One family removed not one, but two from their dog just this morning. One of the family members had taken their dog for a normal morning walk to a park in their neighborhood, and after they got back, they found two ticks on the dog’s belly. They say the park has sagebrush in it, and ticks can be found in shrubs.
“My dad happened to find it while I was getting ready, and we had to remove, I believe it was two this morning, from a walk that my mom had taken her on this morning,” said Mya Berkich.
Berkich says this isn't the first time they've found ticks on their dog piper, saying she remembers at least four other instances. Northern Nevada Public Health says tick numbers do seem to be increasing and suggests doing checks for ticks after returning home for people and dogs.
Ticks can harm dogs as well as humans, possibly transmitting a few different illnesses. The CDC says removing a tick as soon as it's found is best because the longer it is left alone, the higher the risk of getting a tick-borne illness.
“We use tweezers because you have to take it off gently. And then from there, you just flush it right down the toilet,” said Berkich.
Berkich is right, and the CDC says the best way to get rid of them is to use clean fine-tipped tweezers and to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. They specify to use steady, even pressure when pulling them, and not twist or jerk the tick because pieces of its mouth may break off and stay in the skin.
Ticks also need to be disposed of in a specific way. That can be placing it in a sealed container, wrapping it in tape, putting it in alcohol, or like Berkich said, flushing it down the toilet.
The CDC has more information about removal here: What to Do After a Tick Bite | Ticks | CDC.
To help prevent ticks, NNPH said in a statement, “People who recreate on trails with brush and other vegetation should be mindful and utilize EPA approved bug sprays, breathable long pants and shirts, and complete a ‘tick check’ when they are home. This would go for their pets as well.”
