Tick season in Nizhny Novgorod: tips for dog owners

      March 22, 2026 10:49 Society The danger of ticks for dogs arises as early as the beginning of spring – with the first warming, when the snow melts and the ground warms up to about 5 degrees. It is during this period that parasites emerge from hibernation, and their peak activity in the central region occurs in April-May. Since ticks often carry deadly infections, it is important for pet owners to take care of their pets' protection in advance. The President of the Russian Cynological Federation, Vladimir Golubev, noted that the risk exists as early as the beginning of spring. "Pet owners sometimes think that walking in March or early April is safe. However, this is not the case: ticks are already present in last year's grass," he emphasized. After winter, parasites are particularly active and attack more quickly. The danger of a bite Ticks are carriers of several serious diseases. The most common of these are piroplasmosis (babesiosis), borreliosis (Lyme disease), and ehrlichiosis. The disease can manifest as lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, and darkening of urine. Without timely assistance, the animal's condition can deteriorate sharply, even leading to death within a few days. However, not every tick is infected, but the likelihood remains significant. A comprehensive approach Specialists note that it is impossible to completely eliminate the risk of bites. At the same time, combined protection can significantly reduce it. One of the most common methods remains tablets that act through the animal's blood. They are usually administered at intervals of one to three months. After a bite, the parasite dies before it can transmit the infection. However, this option may not be suitable if the dog has a sensitive gastrointestinal tract or refuses to take the medication. Drops on the withers are also widely used, which repel or kill the tick before it bites. At the same time, owners need to consider restrictions: the dog cannot be washed two days before and after treatment, and in the first day, it is advisable to limit contact with it. In animals that frequently come into contact with water, the effectiveness of the product may decrease. An additional measure of protection is special collars. They are recommended to be used in combination with other means and to be put on in advance – about one to two weeks before going outdoors. If not fitted correctly, if the collar is too loose, its effectiveness decreases. As a short-term protection before a walk, special repellents can be used. It is important to choose products specifically designed for animals, as human products can be toxic. Specialists also remind about vaccination. It does not protect against bites, but it helps alleviate the course of the disease and reduces the risk of death. Additional safety measures Ticks most often inhabit grass and bushes, so if possible, such places are recommended to be avoided. When regularly walking in nature, protection should be particularly thorough. After each walk, it is necessary to inspect the dog, especially if it is a long-haired breed. A thick undercoat can serve as a shelter for parasites, so it is recommended to additionally comb the pet. If a tick is found If a tick is discovered, it should be removed as quickly as possible. For this, a thin tweezers or a special device – a tick remover – is used. The parasite should be grasped as close to the skin as possible and carefully extracted with twisting movements. Using oil is not recommended: although the tick dies, it may manage to transmit the infection. After removal, the bite site is treated with chlorhexidine, and the condition of the animal is monitored. If alarming symptoms appear, including changes in urine color, it is necessary to immediately consult a veterinarian. NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has a Telegram channel. Subscribe to stay updated on major events, exclusive materials, and operational information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod". When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+