By Gina Spadafori - Universal Press Syndicate

But ticks are more than a disgusting nuisance - they present a serious health risk for people and pets. Tick-borne diseases can be difficult to diagnose and treat, and harder still to live with. That's why when it comes to ticks and pets, prevention and quick removal are the best strategies by far.

Tick prevention in pets means topical treatments, typically spot-ons available by prescription from your veterinarian (or from retailers with a prescription from your veterinarian). Talk to your pet's health-care provider about which product suits your animal best. In some areas, ticks may respond better to one product than another. In areas with heavy tick infestations, additional protection may entail the use of a tick collar; again, talk to your vet.

Whenever you've had your dog out in an area with ticks -- and that could even be a green city park -- you need to go over your dog carefully to hand-pick any pests that hopped a ride anyway. Don't wait for the preventives to kill them. Feel for tiny lumps and part the fur to get a good look at the skin.

When you've located a tick, don't use methods you may have heard of such as applying alcohol, petroleum jelly or the tip of a hot match to remove them. They don't work. Instead, choose a direct method: Either use a tool to pull them off or protect your fingers with a thin glove. Full story...

And do not forget about natural prevention, such as herbal extracts and essential oils. Best Friend NYC Natural Liquid Canine Cleanser contains patchouli and and organic lavender essential oils which are known to repel ticks and other annoying insects.