The Tiny Summer Threat Hiding In West Michigan Yards Right Now

I don't know about you but I am so happy that warmer weather has arrived in West Michigan.

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I'm so excited to be spending more time outdoors with my wife and our dogs Benny and Paddy.

One thing you need to keep an eye on for not only your dog, but yourself as well is the increased risk of ticks.

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Dr. Richard Banks, owner of Northland Animal Hospital told Fox 17 that this year has been a particularly bad year in Michigan for tick activity.

I also thought you only had to worry about ticks if you were to go walking in the woods or somewhere with really long grass but more and more ticks are being found in homeowners backyards as well.

How To Reduce Tick Exposure

Nobody wants to stay in their house for the entire year so if you have plans on going outdoors with your dog Dr. Banks shared these pieces of advice to reduce your and your dog's risk.

• Use effective tick prevention products year-round
• Avoid brushy vegetation during walks
• Stick to wide trails
• Conduct tick checks after outdoor activities
• Consider Lyme disease vaccination for dogs

How To Remove A Tick From A Dog

Hopefully, you never have to remove a tick from yourself or your dog but here is what experts say you should do.

Find the Tick: Part your dog’s fur around the tick so you can clearly see it and the surrounding skin.

Position the Tweezers: With fine-tipped tweezers, grasp the tick as close to your dog’s skin as possible. Avoid squeezing the tick’s body, as this can force harmful fluids into your dog. If you’re using a tick removal tool, place the wide opening of the tool around the tick and slide it until the tick is in the narrow slot.

Pull Steadily: Use gentle but firm pressure to pull the tick straight upward with tweezers. If using a tick tool, continue sliding it in one direction along the skin. Don’t twist or jerk the tick, as this can break off the head or mouthparts and leave them embedded in the skin.

Check for Completeness: Once removed, inspect the tick to ensure its head and mouthparts are intact. If any parts remain in the skin, don’t panic—they often work their way out naturally, but monitor the area for signs of irritation.

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By following this advice you and your fur baby should be able to have a fun and safe summer outdoors in Michigan.