![]() At your next vet appointment, make sure to ask about testing for tick-borne diseases, Lyme vaccinations and any tick control products that are available. Talk to your veterinarian about the best ways to protect your pet. Also, the vaccines will not protect your pet from other tick-borne illnesses. However, even if an animal is vaccinated, there are no guarantees they will avoid Lyme disease. Canine Bartonellosis is a disease caused by the bacterium Bartonella spp. This protozoan attacks the red blood cells in the body, causing anemia. Canine babesiosis is caused by a protozoan parasite that can be carried and transmitted by ticks. If you live in an area where there is a high incidence of Lyme disease, like the Northeast or Midwest, your vet may recommend that your pet be vaccinated against Lyme. The American dog tick and brown dog tick are responsible for spreading this disease. The earlier the illness is detected and treatment begins, the better your pet’s chances for a complete recovery. Some pets may not show any symptoms, so it’s important to have your pet examined especially if ticks have been found. If your pet exhibits the following symptoms, call your vet immediately. Signs of Lyme disease or other tick-borne illnesses may not show up for weeks or even months after a tick bite. If you find a tick, remove it immediately and with the same care as used for your family members.Run your fingers through its fur and check for any bump that might be a tick trying to hide or attach.Examine your pet’s ears, around its eyes and eyelids, muzzle and paws (including in between toes), back of neck, under the tail, and groin.An animal’s fur can act as a “tick magnet” and you may be exposed to ticks when you cuddle with your dog or cat, or ride your horse. Not only is this important for your animal’s safety, but ticks on your pet can be a danger to you. Check every inch of your pet’s skin and coat for ticks.Before using, check with your veterinarian. Topical flea and tick collars, shampoos, and other spot-on products vary in safety and effectiveness.Remove leaf piles in shady areas around shrubs, under decks, along walls and fences.Keep your grass mowed, raked and property edges trimmed. ![]() If you go hiking, stick to marked trails. Don’t let your pet roam freely in grassy, wooded tick-infested areas.Dogs, outdoor cats, and horses can get Lyme and other tick-borne diseases if bitten by a tick carrying Borrelia burgdorferi, the Lyme bacterium. If you have a pet, you need to be concerned about ticks-both for your animals’ sake and your own.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |