Let’s talk ticks…

It’s that time of year again….well truth be told EVERY SEASON is tick season!

While the general rule is that ticks are active in the environment at temperatures above freezing, there can be warmer pockets of ground that will allow ticks to be active even in cooler weather.

Ticks are not born with disease causing agents. They acquire them during feeding and pass them along to other animals (and people) during subsequent feedings. Many diseases are only transmitted after many hours of feeding. Most tick preventative medications takes advantage of that time lapse and they typically kill the tick faster than the tick can transmit disease. To begin feeding the tick inserts its feeding tube. Many species also secrete a cement-like substance that keeps them firmly attached during the meal. The feeding tube can have barbs which help keep the tick in place.  Ticks also can secrete small amounts of saliva with anesthetic properties so that the animal or person can’t feel that the tick has attached itself. If the tick is in a sheltered spot, it can go unnoticed. A tick will suck the blood slowly for several days.

It is recommended that we check not only our pets, but also ourselves after any outdoor activities to make sure we have not picked up any “hitchhikers”.  Please see the graphic for common places ticks will attach.

Common tick species in our area are the American Dog tick, the Deer tick and now the Lone-Star tick.  Lyme disease is the most often talked about disease spread by ticks however there are several other diseases that ticks carry and they can cause illness in dogs, cats and people!  Clinical signs of illness may include:  lethargy; fever; stiffness; joint pain and/or pale mucous membranes.

In addition to having your pet on a preventative medication, it is recommended to check them frequently for ticks, especially after walks or playtime, and regularly wash bedding and plush toys.

Flea prevention is also very important.  Remember that fleas carry disease that can also spread to people!

If you haven’t done so already, please call the office at 905-503-PETS (7387) to schedule your pet in for their annual blood parasite screen.  All we need is a few drops of their blood and 10 minutes of your time.  We will check for three of the more common tick borne diseases and for heartworm disease, and set you up with prevention for the season.

For more information on diseases that people and animals can share visit: http://www.petsandparasites.org/resources/pets-parasites-and-people/

We want everyone to have a fun summer and stay safe!