If you live in the northeast, by now you have noticed an increase in ticks. I'm told that because our last summer was so wet, the conditions were just right for an increase in ticks.
It is very important to check your dog every single time you take him outside. I'm sure you've heard this before, but take it to heart if you haven't already.
Last week after walking the dogs, all were okay except for our male golden. Charlie had a tick on the top of his head, an unusual place to find one. It was alive and had already punctured Charlie's skin. I eliminated the tick (ever try to kill one? it's not easy) and cleaned the blood off his head. Yes, he was bleeding from where the tick had been. It took about two weeks before the area healed completely.
Ticks fill themselves with blood. Sometimes they land on a dog and not infiltrate their skin for days. Once the tick has decided to feed off the dog, it will immobilize itself within the skin of the dog. The tick doesn't hurt and the dog doesn't know it's there.
It's not until days or even weeks later that the symptoms begin and sometimes that means it's too late. Yes, dogs can die because of a tick bite. It's definitely something not to be taken lightly.
It's been tougher than I thought it would be, getting used to not having my Gracie around.
Even today, while we were all walking and playing in the water (I wasn't playing in the water) I could still see Gracie as she trolled along the edge of the pond. Never afraid of anything that crossed her path. Always in charge of the other dogs.
Gracie knew that she was the alpha dog. The other dogs knew it too. Our male golden, Charlie, would cry as he sat on one side of the floor but couldn't get to us because Gracie was lying between him and us, and Charlie was afraid to sneak past her. She was the boss.
If the dogs were drinking, they would all move away from the water dish if Gracie decided she needed a drink. She had first dibs at the dog food too. All the dogs worked around her schedule.
Since she has been gone, I have waited to see which one of the dogs would step up into the alpha position. Even after all these months, it hasn't happened. Each one has its moments of authority, but none have taken over the role of leader.
Funny how that happens. Dogs know each other. Dogs just know.
