Warm weather in this region means an early start for parasites that can affect your pet. Among them are fleas and more dangerously, ticks. According to Winslow Animal Control Officer Stratton Salyers, “Deer ticks are the most common ticks in this area. The mild winter we just had means that ticks will be making an appearance earlier this year.”
Salyers explained why ticks pose a concern for pet owners, “Ticks carry disease that can make your dog or cat very sick and can pass to you as well.”
Rocky Mountain Fever can be caused by tick bites, both in humans and pets. Symptoms include headaches and rash and it can be deadly if not treated with antibiotics.
Tularemia is another life threatening disease passed along by ticks, “Your lymph glands can swell, you can get terrible headaches,” Salyers said. Perhaps the most widely recognized disease spread by deer ticks is Lyme Disease. “Lyme Disease is nothing to mess around with,” Salyers warned. “If you suspect you or your pet has it you need to see a doctor right away. It is a deadly disease.”
Lyme Disease manifests itself in flu like symptoms, increased heart rate and palsies, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). “The same symptoms appear in dogs,” Salyers added. “Usually, Lyme Disease doesn’t develop in dogs unless the parasite, in this case the deer tick, has been feeding on the animal for a few days. That is why it is important to check your pet each time he comes inside.” The CDC informs that Lyme Disease has a successful cure rate when treated quickly with antibiotics.
These maladies can be prevented in your pets, as Salyers explained. “First, make sure you are checking your dog for ticks. I generally check in the arm pits, the groin and in between the toes of the animal. Ticks seem to like those spots but check all over even in their ears.” If you do find a tick on your animal, Salyers said, “Pull it off gently with tweezers, making sure you get the head because it can come off sometimes and stay imbedded in your animal. Then dispose of the tick, preferably by soaking them in rubbing alcohol to be sure they are no longer a threat.” There are also ways to prevent the ticks from adhering to your animal.
Salyers said, “There are multiple natural ways to help keep ticks away, and of course there are dips and sprays that help. If you are looking to go the more natural route, I suggest using food grade diatomaceous earth around your property and home. Ticks tend to like long grasses, and weeds, so make sure to maintain those things and then add the diatomaceous earth. It is not harmful to your pets or children or your other plants.”
Salyers added, “If you suspect that your animal has been exposed to ticks or you are unable to remove them yourself, I strongly suggest you contact a veterinarian.”
