As Summer Kicks Into High Gear, Remember To Check Your Pets For Ticks

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- With the summer months comes high temperatures and tick season, which can mean trouble particularly for dogs.

As CBS2's Cindy Hsu reported, AJ the schnauzer is about to get his meds to protect him from ticks.

"I'm going over to the vet now to pick up his new medicine for the next sic months or so. And I give it to him every month," said AJ's owner, Albert Narcisse.

Some veterinarians are seeing a spike in the cases of Lyme disease and other tick-related illnesses, Hsu reported.

The symptoms include loss of appetite, fever and difficulty walking, especially limping.

Now, there's a vaccine for dogs to prevent Lyme disease. There's also tick collars and oral medication, but Dr. Genevieve Mak, of Bluepearl Veterinary Partners, said the topical medicine is the most effective.

"It goes between the two blades of the dog's shoulder," Dr. Mak explained.

And the key is to inspect your dog for ticks, Hsu reported.

"Definitely check the ears, especially the inside of the ears for any ticks," Dr. Mak said. Run your hands over your dogs entire body, "checking for any irregular bumps or any masses."

If you find a tick, use forceps or tweezers to gently pull and remove it, Hsu reported.

"The thing is not to leave the head of the tick, because that can set up a reaction and you can get inflammation and redness," said Dr. Mak.

Another issue for dogs is heat stroke, which can be deadly. Dr. Mak said you need to take extra care with you dog, especially when temperatures go above 85 degrees.

Symptoms for heat stroke include difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea and collapse.

"Shade is the most important thing while you're out; shorter walks, quicker walks," said Charles Allen, who owns a dog-walking company. "While water is nice, it's throwing like droplets on a frying pan. It's not very effective, so you have to keep them cool overall. They don't have sweat glands the way that we do."

Other hot spots to watch out for this summer: streets with black asphalt and metal that can burn your pooch's paws.