!Header Buttons Right Side

301-864-3164

8 Things You Never Wanted to Know About Ticks

July 15, 2020
  Ticks definitely aren’t the most pleasant topic on our blog: it’s much more fun to talk about Fluffy’s playful antics or Fido’s adorable happy dances. However, it is important for pet owners to understand what ticks are, and how they operate. In this article, a Washington DC vet lists some things you probably don’t want to know, but probably should.  
Ticks Aren’t Insects
  Ticks are generally lumped in with insects, but that’s technically incorrect. These little monsters have 8 legs, which actually makes them arachnids.  
They Don’t Always Breed
  Ticks typically go dormant in winter, when their food sources are limited. However, as soon as summer comes, they wake up … and start breeding. In fact, they only breed when they are feeding. However, when they do breed, they go all out. A single female tick can lay as many as 20,000 eggs. Fortunately for us, our local ticks usually stick to a measly 3000 or so.  
They’re Everywhere
  There are ticks pretty much all over the world. Unfortunately, they’re very hardy, and can adapt to many different climates.  
They Can’t Jump
  Unlike fleas, which are one of the best jumpers in the animal kingdom, ticks can’t jump. They prefer to lurk in tall grasses or brush, and crawl onto their victims.  
Transmission Happens Quickly
  When a tick bites a host, they can transmit dangerous diseases, such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. It doesn’t necessarily take very long for transmission to occur. In fact, in some cases, infections can be passed on in as little as 3 hours. That’s why it’s so important to keep up with tick checks, and remove any that you find immediately.  
Too Many Ticks
  There are 850 types of ticks, which is about 850 too many in our book. The US has about 200. In our area, we have the Brown Dog tick, the American Dog Tick, the Deer Tick, and the Lone Star Tick.  
Ticks Aren’t Picky
  Ticks, unfortunately, will feed on just about anything that wanders past them, including mammals, birds, people, pets, and even bugs.  
Ticks Hate Sunlight
  Ticks don’t like being exposed: they tend to prefer shaded areas. Putting a three-foot gravel path around your property can help repel them.  
  Does your pet need vaccinations or parasite control? We can help! Contact us, your Washington DC vet clinic, today!  

Entertaining Your Aging Feline Friend

Is your kitty a furry, meowing senior? Fluffy is an adorable and fun pet through

Common Pet Care Mistakes

About sixty-six percent of American households include animal companions. Or, to put it another way,

Kitten Care Tips

Are you considering adopting a kitten? Perhaps your own feline pal has recently given birth,

Petproofing Tips: Keeping Your Frisky Buddy Safe

Did you know that poisonings are one of the top reasons for urgent veterinary care

Helping Multiple Cats Get Along

Are you considering adding a second—or perhaps third—kitty to your household? Cats are small, but

Common Pet Care Mistakes

Pets are more than furry little roommates: they are important parts of our lives and

Easter Safety For Pets

Easter is a seasonal milestone, a time to gather with family as the seasons change.

Keeping Fido Safe On St Pawtrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day may not be the biggest holiday of the year, but it still

Celebrating K-9 Veterans

Celebrating K-9 Veterans  March has arrived, along with several pet-related holidays. Working dogs get the

Caring For Your Dog’s Paws

Does your canine friend know any cute paw tricks? Fido’s furry feet are not only