No matter how many precautions you take, your beagle is going to get fleas or ticks every now and then. These small insects may carry viruses, bacterias, and parasites; and create some serious health concerns if left untreated.
Ticks are highly infectious and can cause Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. These are the most often tick-borne diseases seen amongst pets.
So let’s look into some of the best ways to eliminate ticks from your Beagle.
Check for Ticks on your Beagle
If your beagle has an active lifestyle and you take them out for walks and to dog parks regularly, then it is highly recommended to check for ticks every day after you return home.
To check for ticks on your beagle, run your fingers through their fur. If you feel any bumps, closely look inside the fur for tick. Look for black, brown, or brownish-gray color insects.
Places to check for ticks on your Beagle
Ticks prefer to hide in dark and moist areas on the dog’s body that is least exposed to direct sunlight. Some common areas you can find ticks on your beagles are:
Between toes
Beagle parents often forget to check for the toes. Ticks are the uninvited guest and always find a way to hide. Check your canine’s paws regularly, especially in between the toes and near the footpads. If you see them licking, scratching, or chewing their feet, then it’s time to examine them.
Around the eyelids
The eyelids of most beagles are black or brownish, and this can camouflage ticks. It’s also common to mistake ticks with the usual discharge and ignore it.
But this area is one of the most common places to find a tick. So make sure to check it thoroughly.
Under the collar
Another most common place for ticks to hide is on the neck, under the dog collar. Consider switching to an Anti-tick collar.
Under armpits
The light hardly reaches in under the armpits of dogs, making them an ideal place for tick.
Under the tail
It’s essential to check the underside of your Beagle’s tail. Check it thoroughly as ticks often go undiscovered in this area.
In and around the ears
This area is again a dark and moist spot for ticks. Sometimes ticks can crawl inside the ear canal. Use your phone’s flashlight and check the ear canals regularly. If the tick is located deep inside the canal, taking your pooch to the vet will be the best option.
Genital region
Ticks tend to pick moist and dark regions like the genital areas. They can hide under your Beagle’s coat and be there for a long time.
Removing Ticks from your Beagle
Once you have spotted the tick on your beagle’s body, it’s time to remove them one by one.
Get the necessary tools
Tick attach their mouth to the dog’s body and create a good grip with their sticky legs. Due to this, regular fur brushes are ineffective in removing them.
You will need to search for them and individually remove each one of them. You can use a pair of tweezers but not the regular one. You will need fine point tweezers.
You can even get a tick removing tool, which is far more effective.
Apart from that, you will also need some other supplies like:
- Gloves
- Antiseptic Liquid
- Ointment
- Rubbing Alcohol
- Container or Ziplock bag.
Step 1: Select a time when your dog is tired and calm, so he doesn’t twitch or moves much. Usually, the time after coming from a long walk is perfect.
Step 2: Run your fingers through the fur of a beagle, and when you feel bumps, part the fur and expose the tick.
Step 3: Next, hold the pair of tweezers close to your Beagle’s skin and grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
Step 4: Gently pull the tick straight upwards without twitching so that its head doesn’t break and stays attached to the skin.
Step 5: If you are using a tick removing tool, put the fork part under the tick close to the skin, and trap it. Twist the tool 2-3 times in one direction, and the tick will let go of the skin.
Step 6: Put the tick in a container or a ziplock filled with hot water. If your Beagle is unwell, show this tick to your vet. She will examine what type of tick it is and figure out further diagnosis.
Step 7: Clean the infected area with antiseptic liquid and apply ointment. Disinfect your tweezers or tool and wash your hands properly to avoid any infections.
Check the bite regularly for any inflammation or irritation. Also, analyze if your Beagle is showing symptoms like limping, feeling tired, or losing appetite. Immediately see your vet if you come across these signs.
What not to do while removing ticks?
Do not use your fingers to remove ticks. Try to use a tissue or towel if you’re planning to remove ticks without any tool. Tick saliva and blood can be infectious too. Wash your hands with soap once you are done.
Do not squeeze the tick with the tweezers. This can lead to the passing of tick’s fluid onto the infected area. It can increase the risk of infection.
Do not apply any type of ointment, vaseline, acetone on the tick while it is attached to the skin. If the tick reacts to these products and vomits any fluids, it can increase the possibility of infections.
If the tick’s body breaks while its head is still attached to the skin, do not try to remove it. Crushing it can release fluids on the skin and cause infection or irritation. Take your Beagle to your vet to remove embedded parts of the tick.
Ways to Keep Ticks away from your Beagle
As the famous saying goes, ‘Prevention is better than cure.’ There are some things you can do to keep ticks as well as fleas away from your beagle. Let’s have a look at some of the most recommended solutions.
Anti Tick Solution
There are tons of anti-tick spray and solutions available in the market. One of my favorites is this organic flea and tick control spray.
You can even use a homemade solution. Take one part of apple cider vinegar and one part of water. Pour the solution into a spray bottle and use it directly on your beagle’s body.
The acidic properties of the vinegar help repel insects. You can use it once every couple of days. However, be sure your dog doesn’t have any allergic response to the solution.
Lemon Eucalyptus Oil + Water
Another excellent insect repellent is Lemon Eucalyptus Oil. It can effectively repel ticks, mosquitoes, and fleas. Put eight drops of lemon eucalyptus oil in 1 liter distilled water and put it in a spray bottle. Lightly spray the solution on your beagle’s fur.
Keep the grass trimmed.
Taller the grass in your backyard, the more the ticks and other insects. So keep the grass and other weed in your back and front yard trimmed.
Check for ticks daily.
If your beagle is getting infested with ticks more often, then create a routine and check for ticks daily.
Final Thoughts
If you notice that your beagle has quite a few ticks on his body, then do not try to remove them. Call your vet immediately and book an appointment.
