Thick With Ticks

picture taken from Wisconsin Department of Health Services

We have been awarded with a mild winter and an amazing start to spring.  With this, we will also have to pay the price with a buggier spring and summer.  I know that the kids and I have already gotten our first mosquito bites!  Important for our pets, and especially in our area of the country is going to be an active and dense tick season.

Below are some interesting facts from a recent article in Veterinary Practice News Magazine, April, 2012.

"An unseasonably warm U.S. winter not only has meant non-stop tick-sightings, it could mean a boom in the parasite population this spring-- or sooner, parasitologists say.  This correlates with a higher prevalence of tick-borne diseases in dogs and humans."

"Ticks are expanding their domains, possibly by hitching rides on migrating animals or animals in wildlife relocation programs.  These factors coupled with people moving outward into tick-endemic areas, have resulted in higher risk of tick-borne disease transfer to animals and humans."

"Currently the only tick borne disease that can be prevented is Lyme disease."

There are a number of good flea/tick products on on the veterinary market.  A few have as high as 96% effectiveness even on day 30.  "No product is 100% effective, but regular use greatly decreases the number of parasites that can live on the pet, this, in turn, decreases the chances that the pet owner may be bitten."

So, bottom line, prevention is key.  Through both Lyme vaccine and flea/tick protections, you can protect not only your pet, but also the people in your household.  Ask us about the best product's for your pet's lifestyle.

Tick Removal & Insect Bites

taken from Bing Images

Since we talked earlier this week about Lyme's Disease, I thought this would be a good time to give you some guidelines that come in our Emergency Care handout from the Wisconsin Veterinary Referral Center.

Like people, animals vary in their reactions to insect venom.  The response can range from mild irritation to allergic shock.  Check the area for any remaining stinger or insect, remove them and cleanse the area with soap and water.  Cool wet towels or gauze can be used (for 20-30 minutes) to soothe the area.  Watch your pet for signs of allergic reaction.  Be particularly mindful of difficulties breathing.

When returning from a park or a hike, check thoroughly for ticks by running your fingers through your pet's entire coat, and inspecting paws, pads, between toes and inside floppy ears.  If you find a tick, place a small amount of tick spray (alcohol, mineral oil, or petroleum jelly can also be used) on a cotton ball and hold it over the tick.  Typically the tick will back out in 30-60 seconds allowing you to grab it with a tweezers and dispose of it.  Apply alcohol or an antibiotic ointment to the site of the bite.

Looking Out for Lymes

Lyme's Disease.... can people get it?  Yes, but not from your dog.  The disease is transmitted through a bite from a deer tick.  The spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi is the bacterium that spreads through the body.  Dogs that have been infected present with severe joint pain, stiffness, lack of appetite, lethargy and/or a fever.  The symptoms can come on acutely or sometimes after time (several months to a year) has passed.  Diagnosis of the disease can be determined through a simple blood test and treatment consists of long term antibiotic therapy. 

Is my dog at risk?  Well, ask yourself a few questions.  Are there deer around your neighborhood?  Has Lyme disease been found in any people or animals in your area?  Do you live in a wooded area or near tall brush where ticks breed?  Do you and your furry companion go for walks, hikes, camping, picnicking, hunting or fishing?  If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should be proactive in preventing the disease.  Use a monthly tick preventive like Frontline Plus, vaccinate your dog against Lyme's disease, and examine your dog checking for ticks regularly.  With these few simple steps you can help to prevent your companion from  this potentially debilitating disease.