Although ticks on smaller mammals such as hares and squirrels have always been in Alaska, over the past three years Kimberlee Beckmen with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game in Fairbanks has found two types of non-native ticks surviving the winters.
Local Veterinarian Dr. Tim Bowser with Soldotna Animal Hospital said he has not seen an indication of increased ticks in the Kenai Peninsula area.
Dr. Bowser: “The ones that I have seen have been imported where we have animals that have visited elsewhere.”
Dr. Bowser said that ticks present a risk of illnesses to dogs but can be removed beforehand if found.
Dr. Bowser: “Mainly what you would look for is just look for the presence of ticks, if the animal is scratching. Typically around the head neck and ears is where I’ve seen them.”
He added that sometimes removing ticks can present hazards to both owners and pets and to consult your veterinarian. There are also a variety of tick repellents both over the counter and from vets.