Tick bite Prevention and Safety .
Ticks on our dogs? No way, José! These tiny blood-sucking ninjas are like that annoying friend who just won't take a hint and leave the party. But, unlike that persistent pal, ticks come with a lot more risks than just cramping your style.
Picture this: your dog strutting around like they own the place, then BAM! A tick jumps on them like they're the latest iPhone. Next thing you know, your furry buddy is scratching, itching, and spreading more drama than your favorite reality TV show.
Ticks aren't just uninvited guests at the furball fiesta – they can also bring some nasty party favors, like Lyme disease and other infections that'll have your pooch feeling like they partied way too hard. So, keep those tick troublemakers off your dog and let them enjoy the spotlight without any unwanted hitchhikers!
But seriously, When hiking with your dog in New York, it is essential to be vigilant about tick safety. Ticks are prevalent in wooded areas and tall grass, posing a threat to both humans and pets. To protect your dog from ticks, consider in addition to internal flea and tick treatments such as Bravecto or Nextgruard using tick prevention products such as topical treatments or collars. Additionally, check your dog for ticks regularly, especially after being outdoors. If you find a tick, remove it promptly with tweezers and clean the area thoroughly. Being proactive about tick safety can help prevent tick-borne diseases and ensure a safe hiking experience for you and your dog.
Ticks are common parasites that can pose a risk to both humans and dogs by transmitting various diseases. To protect yourself and your dog from ticks, follow these measures:
Regularly check your dog for ticks, especially after walks in wooded or grassy areas.
Use tick prevention products recommended by your veterinarian for your dog, such as topical treatments or collars.
Keep your lawn well-trimmed and remove any leaf litter or tall grass where ticks may hide.
Use insect repellent containing on yourself before outdoor activities in tick-prone areas.
Wear long sleeves and pants while walking in areas where ticks are prevalent.
Shower within two hours of being outdoors to wash off any unattached ticks.
Consult a healthcare provider or veterinarian promptly if you or your dog experience any symptoms of a tick-borne illness, such as fever, rash, or lethargy.
The Westchester Trails to Hike With Your Dog
A list of fur-friendly Westchester trails, ranked from easiest to most challenging because, hey, not every dog is built for hiking.
Credit : Westchester magazine June 28th 2023
Lace up your hiking shoes and grab the leashes! We’re running down Westchester’s best hiking trails for your adventurous pooches, felines, or exceedingly well-behaved goats. (Hey, no judgments here.)
Granite Knolls Park
Granite Knolls Easy Loop; Yorktown
Length: 4.0 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Characteristics: This hour-and-a-half circuit loop hike in Granite Knolls Park passes many interesting boulders and is the site of small-scale quarry operations. The trail boasts a large glacier erratic known as the Giant Boulder.
Mountain Lakes Park Trail
Mountain Lakes Park; North Salem
Length: 3.9 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Characteristics: This circuit loop set in the most northerly park in Westchester will take about two hours. The park, which features almost 13 miles of trails, woods roads, and five lakes, is the highest point in Westchester County. In the winter season, you can also enjoy cross-country skiing. The park has seven trails that pass through hardwood forests, rock outcrops, and meandering streams.
Bronx River Parkway Reservation
Bronx River Pathway; Valhalla, Bronxville
Length: 11.2 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Characteristics: This park is one of the first linear parks in the country and, completed in 1925, happens to be Westchester County’s oldest. The entire park is 11.6 miles and extends from Bronxville to the Kensico Dam in Valhalla. The trail runs parallel to the river for much of its length. It begins on the east side of Kensico Dam Plaza, near the steps. It passes The Rising, a memorial to honor Westchester County residents who were killed in 9/11, and travels through park-like meadows, woods, and a railroad underpass.
Teatown Lake Reservation
Teatown Lake Three Lakes Loop; Ossining
Length: 3.6 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Characteristics: This circuit-loop is a popular trail for hiking in the area. The trail outlines three of Teatown’s stunning lakes where you can park yourself on a bench and soak in the surrounding nature. Teatown has nearly 15 miles of trails open year-round from dawn to dusk.
