By Shady Oak and LifeLearn Admin
Ticks are becoming more and more prevalent in North America, and they’re now being found in areas where people and pets didn’t previously encounter ticks. These parasites aren’t just a nuisance; they can cause serious diseases including: Lyme Disease, Anaplasmosis, Ehrlichiosis and Tick Paralysis.
Don’t panic if you find a tick on your dog or cat, even if your pet is on a preventive. Some preventives kill ticks after they’ve come in contact with your pet. Ticks can hide easily under your pet’s fur, so as an added measure of protection, we recommend routinely checking your pet for ticks.
If you notice any of the following symptoms after your pets has been bitten by a tick give us a call:
- Stiffness
- Joint pain
- Weakness
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Lethargy
When illness does occur from a tick bite it doesn’t begin to manifest until weeks to months after your pet was bitten. If your pet has been bitten by a tick and you are concerned about tick borne illnesses we recommend coming in for a blood test 6 weeks after the bite. If your pet starts displaying symptoms before the 6 week mark we recommend coming in to see one of our doctors.
The best method for keeping ticks off your pet is by keeping your pet on a tick preventive. Even indoor-only pets are at risk because ticks can latch on to your clothing or shoes. Tick preventives are safe and highly effective at controlling ticks and the diseases they carry. We also offer the Lyme vaccine to clients who live or travel to heavy tick areas. Call us to get your pet protected today! And don’t hesitate to ask us any questions you might have.