Terrible Ticks

May 13, 2016

Terrible Ticks

Ticks are external parasites that can attach themselves to your pet and gorge on their blood. They are mostly found in woodlands and long grassy areas but they can also be found in gardens and parks. An empty tick is often the size of a sesame seed but they become more obvious to owners as they swell up with blood over a number of days. Wildlife also contributes to the spread of ticks.

Ticks can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease caused by bacteria transmitted by the tick. Lyme disease can also affect people.

Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is one of the most common tick borne diseases. It is caused by a bacteria and Luckily, only causes symptoms in a small percentage of animals. These symptoms can include recurrent lameness, lack of appetite and dullness. In more serious cases it may cause kidney or heart and nervous system damage.

Babesiosis

Babesiosis is a disease caused by protozoa, most commonly spread by ticks. The incubation period is commonly two weeks. Dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors, especially in wooded areas, are at an increased risk for tick bites and, therefore, for contracting this disease. This is especially true during the summer months when the tick population is at its highest.

Symptoms of babesiosis can include lack of energy, poor appetite, pale gums, fever, enlarged abdomen, coloured urine or discoloured stool and weight loss. A number of dogs became ill with Babesiosis in the U.K. earlier this year with at least one passing away.

Tick removal

Care is needed when removing ticks. If the head is left attached, it can cause localised infections.

Spot on treatments can be applied and some will kill ticks within 48 hours. The tick will usually fall or they can be removed with a gentle pull.

City Vet offer complementary tick removal to all our clients. Contact us on 061-419760 if you are concerned that your pet may have ticks.

Tick prevention

Applying a monthly spot on treatment to your pet can help to control ticks. Some products allow the tick to attach but they will be killed and will drop off.