In our previous post (See post on November 21, 2009) we discussed other causes of arthritis in dogs such as Lyme Disease.  Since Lyme Disease is a tick borne disease, here are five quick tips you can use to help your dog avoid an infection disease caused by ticks:

• Check for ticks daily. If you find a tick on your dog, remove it right away:
  • Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands.
  • Grasp the tick very close to the skin with a pair of fine-tipped tweezers. With a steady motion, pull the tick’s body away from the skin. To prevent infection, avoid crushing the tick. After tick removal, clean your dog’s skin with soap and warm water.
  • Throw the dead tick away with your household trash or flush it down the toilet.
  • Never use petroleum jelly, a hot match, nail polish or other products to remove a tick.
  • Is it a tick? Use these pictures of ticks to find out.
• Use a tick preventative on your dog.
• Ask your veterinarian to conduct a tick screening at each exam.
• Watch your dog closely for changes in behavior or appetite.
• Talk to your veterinarian about tick-borne diseases in your area.