Protecting Your Pet From Ticks 

We’ve seen quite a few changes in the ecosystem in recent years, many of which are coming about due to changes in climate, habitat loss, and other factors. One that we are definitely less than thrilled about is the rapidly-growing numbers of ticks. Ticks may be small, but they actually pose a pretty serious threat to both you and your pet. Read on as a local Stonington, CT vet offers some advice on protecting your furry bestie from these tiny monsters.

Tick Basics

Ticks are often lumped in with bugs or insects, but technically they are arachnids, like spiders. They thrive in warmer conditions, and, as you may know, have more or less exploded in numbers over recent years. (We’d much rather see the ticks themselves exploding, rather than their populations.)

Ticks feed on blood, and they do so by basically burrowing into their victims. The bite itself isn’t the danger, though of course when animals get covered in ticks that itself can be dangerous. The more common concern is the fact that ticks spread diseases to both people and pets.

Here are the most dangerous ones:

Lyme Disease: In most cases, Lyme disease affects the bones and joints, but it also causes other issues. It occasionally affects the kidneys, which is of course extremely dangerous. Signs include limping, lameness, fever, weight loss, lack of appetite, and vomiting. Keep in mind that these things can take up to five months to appear.

Babeois: This disease invades mammalian red blood cells, causing anemia. Though usually spread by ticks, it can also be transmitted from dog to dog. Because of this, certain dogs, such as greyhounds and fighting dogs, are at higher risk. Signs can vary widely, but may include things like dark urine, fever, weakness, depression, and even collapse.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever: Most often carried by ticks in wooded areas, Rocky Mountain spotted fever is now widespread through many parts of North America. It can affect any organ in the body, and can lead to issues such as balance problems, kidney disease, and  neurological diseases.

Anaplasmosis. Formerly known as human granulocytic ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis is more common in rural areas, as ticks pick it up from deer, elk, and other wild animals. 

What Are The Common Signs of Tick-Borne Diseases?

The individual warning signs will vary from disease to disease. However, there are some general red flags to look for. 

These include the following:

• Coughing
• Diarrhea
• Lameness
• Fever
• Reduced Appetite
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Nosebleed
• Shortness Of Breath
• Lethargy
• Seizures
• Swelling
• Bloating
• Discolored gums

These can also be indicative of many other medical issues. That’s why it’s important to take them seriously, and immediately contact your vet if you notice anything off. 

Protecting Fido From Ticks

The most important and most effective thing you can do to keep your canine buddy safe from these horrible little monsters is also actually the simplest: keep up with your pup’s parasite control products. There are quite a few different products available now, including topical drops, oral chews, sprays, and collars. Talk to your vet about the various options.

A few things to keep in mind here. Always get your pet’s products either from your vet or from a retailer that requires a prescription. You may find products at discount stores and big box retailers, but these can vary drastically in terms of quality. Unfortunately, some have even proven to be dangerous.

Also, stay on top of the dosage schedule. These products do weaken as the time nears for your furry pal’s next dose.

Finally, never double up on these. If you’re taking Fido camping, you may be okay with spraying some tick spray around, but you should never use, for instance, a collar and a topical drop, or a shampoo and an oral med. That could potentially expose your pup to dangerous levels of chemicals.

We also recommend checking both yourself and your pooch over carefully after spending time in woods or fields.

Keeping Ticks Off Your Place

There are also some things you can do to make your place less welcoming to ticks overall. You’ll still need to keep up with Fido and Fluffy’s parasite control, of course, and check them regularly. However, this can reduce the chances of them actually getting ticks in the first place.

• Mow Your Lawn: Ticks love to lurk in tall grasses, so keeping your lawn trimmed can help. 
• Create A Path: If you’re wanting to rewild part of your land, or border up to a wood or field, put a small gravel border between the different areas. Ticks don’t like being exposed to open sunlight, and will often turn back at these barriers.
• Remove Brush: Fallen branches, leave piles, and other debris make very inviting habitats for uninvited guests.
• Pick Up Produce: If you have a garden, berry bushes, and/or fruit trees, try to stay on top of picking up fallen produce. This will attract wild animals, many of which carry ticks.
• Trim Shrubs: Trim shrubs back so that they do not touch the walls of your house.
• Help Native Wildlife: Did you know that many wild animals, such as possums, eat ticks? Help animals and your environment by reducing your use of harsh chemicals, and supporting green initiatives however you can. 

If you have a severe infestation, you may want to consider spreading some diatomaceous earth around, particularly on your door jambs and window sills.

How To Get A Tick Off Your Pet

No matter how diligent you are, you’ll still need to check your pet regularly, especially after Fido has been in wooded areas or fields. Remember to look between his toes and under his collar!

If you do find one of the little beasts, remove it carefully with a tick puller or tweezers. (Tick pullers are probably the easier option.) Don’t just rip it or twist it. You may tear it, which could result in pieces being left embedded in your pet’s skin. That can definitely cause infections.

Once it’s out, use a bit of antiseptic on the spot, then give your pet a treat and a forehead pat. We do recommend taking a photo of it before you dispose of it. If symptoms arise, being able to identify the tick can be extremely helpful. Make sure you get its back, where the markings are.

A final word? When you dispose of the tick, don’t just flush it or toss it into the garbage. If it was female, eggs could still hatch. Find a small container and put a bit of rubbing alcohol in it, and toss it out that way.

What Ticks Are There In North America?

There are nearly 900 types of ticks in the world. Of those, about 90 can be found living in the States. (Note: in case you were wondering, the Lone Star Tick is the one that can cause people to become allergic to red meat.)

Here are the ones to be most concerned about:

• American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis, D. similis)
• Blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis)
• Brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus)
• Gulf Coast tick (Amblyomma maculatum)
• Lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum)
• Rocky Mountain wood tick (Dermacentor andersoni)
• Western blacklegged tick (Ixodes pacificus)

Make An Appointment At Your Stonington, CT Pet Hospital

Does your furry pal need to come in for parasite control? Is your pet overdue for an exam? Contact us, your Stonington, CT pet hospital, today. We are always happy to help!