Summer is here, and with it comes fleas and ticks.
Here’s some advice on dealing with those ticks, according to Twin Cities Community Hospital:
Tell ticks to take a hike
“Wooded areas with tall grass and leafy debris on the ground are classic habitat for ticks. Stay on trails and avoid walking through high brush on hikes and outdoor adventures.”
Fending off ticks
“Wearing bug repellent with DEET (when applied according to instructions) is a safe way to stave off infiltration by these sneaky arachnids.
“Look for formulas with 20 percent DEET for the skin. You can also buy or treat clothing with permethrin, which is effective through several washes.”
Seek out stowaways
“Do not expect to feel a tick that has grabbed onto you, your clothing or your dog during your hike. Be sure to shower; fully inspect your body (and that of your children and pets) including hard-to-reach places like the scalp, belly button and other nooks and crannies; and throw clothing in the dryer to kill off any tick hitchhikers.”
Put them in the squeeze
If a tick is found on the body, Twin Cities Community Hospital recommends safely removing the tick by grasping it with fine-tipped tweezers applied as close to the skin as possible, and steadily pulling upward. “Be sure to clean your hands and the surface of the bite with rubbing alcohol, an iodine scrub or soap and water afterward. If there are any complications with removal, or if a rash or fever develops within the weeks following a bite, visit your doctor.”
• • •
San Luis Obispo County Animal Shelter is looking for people who found a pet through this column.
Animal Shelter Adoption Partners (ASAP) wants to include their happily-ever-after story in its 2012 “Love ‘Em” Calendar. Each month will include one of the great Pet Tales dog or cat portraits and provide information on ways individuals can help reduce overcrowding at the shelter. The calendar will also include information about what to do if you:
• Have lost or found a pet.
• Need to re-home a pet.
• Want to adopt a pet.
“To share your Pet Tales alumni’s story you can either mail it to: – ASAP -- Calendar Story, 900 Stagecoach Road, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 or email esperryess@kcbx.org. It doesn’t need to be long, 100 words or less will do the trick.”
Bunny adoptathon
SLO Buns Rabbit Rescue will host a bunny adoptathon from 10:30 a.m. to2 p.m. July 23 at Utopia Bakery, 2900 Broad St. in San Luis Obispo.
If you have a story or photos of your furry, feathered or scaly friend please email pettales@thetribunenews.com or mail to Pet Tales, c/o The Tribune, P.O. Box 112, San Luis Obispo, CA 93406.
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