Pet parents, here's a vet-approved guide to the practices that can help prevent tick infestations. Monsoon season brings several problems, and for pet parents, one of the biggest concerns is ticks. These tiny blood-sucking parasites thrive in warm and humid weather and can easily latch onto dogs. It affects dogs the most. This is why regular checks are important, so it can be prevented during the rainy season.ALSO READ: Veterinarian shares common signs of depression every pet parent should know: ‘Not going for walks…’During the humid season, dogs often get ticks. (Picture credit: Pixabay)Head vet at Zigly, Dr Deepak Saraswat, shared five essential tips with HT Lifestyle on how pet parents can protect their dogs from ticks during the humid season.When can dogs get ticks?“Ticks thrive in warm and humid environments and can easily attach themselves to your pet during walks, playtime outdoors, or even through contact with other animals,” the vet mentioned when dogs are at risk of tick exposure. He also cautioned that if left untreated, it may cause serious health complications.How to prevent tick-borne diseases?Avoid tall grass and damp areas. (Picture credit: Freepik)The vet shared a detailed guide that consists of essential practices that aid in preventing tick infestation and eventual tick-borne disease1. Regular grooming and inspectionTicks hide in areas like behind the ears, under the collar, between toes, and around the tail.Pet parents should regularly inspect their pets after walks or outdoor activities.Frequent grooming and brushing can also help detect ticks early before they multiply.2. Maintain proper hygieneKeeping your pet and their surroundings clean is extremely important.Wash pet bedding, blankets, and toys regularly, and vacuum carpets or furniture where ticks may hide.A clean environment significantly reduces the chances of infestation.3. Use tick preventive treatmentsConsult a veterinarian for suitable tick prevention solutions such as spot-on treatments, anti-tick shampoos, sprays, powders, medicated collars, or oral medications.Preventive treatments should be used consistently, especially during warmer months when ticks are more active.4. Avoid tick-prone areasTall grass, bushes, gardens, and damp areas are common breeding grounds for ticks.While outdoor activities are important for pets, avoiding heavily infested areas or keeping pets on designated paths can lower exposure.5. Keep your lawn and home environment safeFor pet parents with gardens or lawns, trimming grass regularly and keeping outdoor spaces dry and clean can help minimise tick presence.Pest control measures may also be considered if infestations are frequent.What are the warning signs?Pet parents also need to watch out for some warning signs which may indicate medical emergencies. Dr Saraswat shared these common signs which may indicate tick infestation or tick-borne illness:Excessive scratchingLickingSkin irritationRednessLoss of appetiteLethargy,FeverCan ticks spread to humans?Ticks are not just a concern for dogs, as there is a possibility they may spread to humans. Dr Saraswat noted that ticks can sometimes transmit infections to humans as well. With regular care, preventive treatments, and timely veterinary guidance, pet parents can ensure a safer and healthier life for their furry companions.Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.Adrija Dey’s proclivity for observation fuels her storytelling instinct. As a lifestyle journalist, she crafts compelling, relatable narratives across diverse touchpoints of the human experience, including wellness, mental health, relationships, interior design, home decor, food, travel, and fashion that gently nudge readers toward living a little better. For her, stories exist in flesh and bones, carried by human vessels and shaped through everyday endeavours. It is the small stories we live and share that make us human. After all, humans and their lores are the most natural and raw repositories of stories, and uncovering them, for her, is akin to peeling an orange under a winter afternoon sun. Always up for a chat, she believes the best stories come from unfiltered yapping, where "too much information" is kind of the point. A graduate of Indraprastha College for Women, University of Delhi, and an alumna of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Delhi, Adrija spends her idle hours cocooned with herbal tea and a gripping thriller, scribbling inner monologues she loosely calls poetic pieces, often with her succulents in attendance. On lazier days, she can be found binge-watching, for the nth time, one from her comfort-show holy trinity: The Office (US), Brooklyn Nine-Nine, or Modern Family. Dancing by herself to her peppy playlists, however, is an everyday ritual she swears by religiously.Read More