Monthly Archives: September 2011
Dog Ticks
Ticks are an indisputably the dreaded enemy on our dogs. None of one of you dog lovers want to find tick on your dog. Fact that you might not aware of, ticks may transmit diseases and even cause anemia or paralysis. Hence as a dog owner, there are some basics you should know about the risks, prevention and removal of ticks. With proper knowledge, you can help protect your dog from the threat of ticks.
Ticks are parasitic arthropods that feed on the blood of their hosts, in our case, our pet dogs. They are attracted to warmth and motion, often seeking out mammals – including dogs. Ticks tend to hide out in tall grass, or plants in bushes areas waiting for prospective victim. Once a host comes near, the tick climbs on and attaches its mouthparts into the skin, beginning the blood feast. Once locked in place, the tick will not detach until its meal is complete. It may continue to feed for several hours to days, depending on the type of tick.
Ticks often attach themselves in areas with little to no hair on dogs, example:
- In and around the ears
- Between the toes
- Belly
- Neck
Tick reproduces through laying eggs, hundreds to thousands of eggs at on time. Once they hatch from the eggs, they will attach to a host for a blood meal and continue doing so for their growth.
The threat of disease is always present where ticks are concerned, and these risks should always be taken seriously. The symptoms of most tick-borne diseases include fever and lethargy, though some can also cause weakness, lameness, joint swelling and/or anemia. If you notice these or any other signs of illness in your dog, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible so that proper testing and necessary treatments can begin.
The following are some of the most common tick-borne diseases:
- Lyme disease
- Ehrlichiosis
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever
- Anaplasmosis
- Babesiosis
There are some tick prevention products specifically designed for dogs in the market. Topical products like Frontline, Revolution, Advantix, and bioSpot are designed to be applied monthly to prevent ticks. Talk to your veterinarian about the best options for your dog’s lifestyle. Also be aware that not all products will work for every dog, so a bit of trial and error may be in order. With the proper knowledge, you can help defeat the dreaded tick and protect your dog, your family and yourself from the dangers of tick-borne diseases.
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