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Dogs on beaches is a fun activity for the family to engage in, but you need to keep your dog safe from the dangers posed by parasitic ticks when you're out and about. These tips are useful advice not only for beach outings, but for any outdoor adventures. Remember that ticks carry deadly diseases, and are a serious threat to everyone, pets and people alike. 1. Ticks live in wooded areas and run down places. Anywhere that the grass is not cut frequently, ticks could be lurking. Avoid wooded areas or tall grasses if possible since there's always a possibility that a tick can fall from an overhanging tree or climb up your pet's leg. The beach itself should be relatively free of ticks, but the surrounding dunes will most likely be filled with them. It is important to keep your dog close to you at all times to ensure that she doesn't play in fragile dune ecosystems or get herself exposed to other dangers. 2. Remember that flea treatments may not take care of ticks as well. You should have a talk with your vet before you plan your summer activities and make sure that your pet is protected from ticks, as well as other common problems like heart worm. Make sure that all of your pet's vaccinations are updated before any trip away from home. 3. Make sure that your pet's fur is kept short and tangle free. Before leaving for vacation, consider trimming your dog's fur to an inch or shorter. This will not only ensure that your pet stays cool while you're on the beach, but will also allow you to find and remove ticks in a safe manner. Your dog may look funny with such short hair but they will appreciate their trim in the heat of a summer's day. 4. After every outing, take the time to groom your pet thoroughly. A wire brush works great for combing out your pet's fur while looking for ticks that have gotten into their skin. This will also serve as excellent bonding time with your pet. * Should you find a tick, don't panic about its presence. You don't want to have a frightened dog to deal with. Remove the tick with care without touching it directly. Tweezers or gloves should be used to protect yourself. If the tick isn't attached, remove it carefully. If it is attached, take your dog to a vet immediately to have it safely removed. Either way, save the tick in a bottle or container. Should your pet become ill, the vet will need to have access to the tick to determine whether it is the culprit or not and to decide on the best course of treatment. For more useful tips on how to have a great time with dogs on beaches, and practical information on travelling with your best fur friend, go to http://www.takeyourpet.com.au/ -- your one-stop-shop for pet-friendly advice on the road.
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