What to do if a Pekingese has ticks? - briefly
Inspect the dog’s coat, carefully extract each tick using fine‑tipped tweezers, disinfect the bite sites, and promptly contact a veterinarian for appropriate treatment and guidance. Use a veterinarian‑approved tick preventive to protect the pet thereafter.
What to do if a Pekingese has ticks? - in detail
If a Pekingese is found with ticks, begin by isolating the animal to prevent the parasites from spreading to other pets or humans. Conduct a thorough visual inspection, focusing on the neck, ears, armpits, and between the toes, where ticks commonly attach.
Remove each tick promptly. Use fine‑pointed tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal tool: grasp the parasite as close to the skin as possible, pull upward with steady, even pressure, avoiding twisting or crushing. After extraction, disinfect the bite site with a mild antiseptic such as chlorhexidine or povidone‑iodine.
Administer a short course of a veterinary‑approved antiparasitic medication. Options include oral tablets (e.g., afoxolaner, fluralaner) or topical spot‑on treatments. Follow the product’s dosage guidelines based on the dog’s weight and age. Record the treatment date for future reference.
Schedule a veterinary examination within 24–48 hours. The veterinarian will assess for possible disease transmission (e.g., ehrlichiosis, babesiosis), recommend laboratory testing if indicated, and prescribe additional therapy such as antibiotics or anti‑inflammatory drugs when necessary.
Implement preventive measures to reduce future infestations:
- Apply a monthly tick‑preventive product recommended by the veterinarian.
- Keep the dog’s living area tidy; regularly mow grass, remove leaf litter, and trim shrubs.
- Use a tick‑check routine after walks in wooded or grassy environments.
- Consider treating the household environment with an appropriate acaricide, especially if multiple ticks are discovered.
Monitor the dog for signs of illness—lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, joint swelling, or abnormal bleeding—and seek immediate veterinary care if any symptoms appear. Regular follow‑up appointments will help ensure the parasite is fully eradicated and that the animal remains healthy.