Pet answers: ticked off
One big question that is a particular worry for dog owners: ticks!
What are the risks of ticks to my dog?
A: Ticks picked up by your dog on a walk through long grass or woodland are more than just an unsightly and inconvenient annoyance that need quick removal. They can also carry disease that can be potentially fatal for our pets, as well as causing issues from the bite itself.
What are ticks?
Ticks are opportunistic parasites that feed on the blood of passing animals such as deer, hedgehogs, dogs and cats, by attaching themselves to the hosts. They cannot fly so get around by crawling on the ground and up plants where they wait for passing animals. They gorge on blood and then drop to the floor to lay eggs, with one female capable of laying several thousand eggs. Ticks are tiny. Many people think ticks are quite big but this is only after they have gorged on blood; the unfed tick can be as small as 1mm. Ticks are especially prevalent in areas of woodland and scrubland with long grass – and more so if deer are in the area (Sandringham and Thetford are examples of high risk areas). We are now seeing ticks throughout the year but spring through to autumn has the greatest risk.
Why are they a health risk?
The tick bite itself can cause local irritation and incorrect removal can cause the site to become infected, however the main risk is from the diseases ticks can transmit. These are:
● Lyme Disease – a bacterial disease that affects dogs and humans and may cause lameness, lethargy, fever, anorexia, swollen joints and occasionally kidney failure leading to death.
● Babesiosis – a microscopic parasite that invades red blood cells with signs caused by the destruction of the cells. Signs include high temperature, increased respiratory rate, muscle tremors, anaemia, jaundice and weight loss, either mildly or a more acute form which can be fatal. Previously Babesiosis was seen only in animals that travelled abroad but recently cases were seen from local infection in Essex. The tick species that carries the disease (Dermacentor reticulatus) has been seen in Devon and Wales but new cases show that it is spreading across the UK.
What do I do if my dog has a tick?
Ideally the tick should be removed using a specially designed hook with a narrow slot to slide under the tick so as to grip it around the mouthparts. The hook is then rotated several times until the attachment is freed and the tick can be removed without putting tension on the skin or tick. DO NOT attempt to burn, cut or pull the tick directly off – If you do it is likely the mouth parts will be left behind and the tick will regurgitate its stomach contents into the animal.
How do I stop my dog getting ticks?
There is a lot of evidence that suggests it takes between 24-48hrs for the tick to transmit disease once attached to the animal so prompt removal manually or by parasite treatment is effective. It is very important to check your dog regularly after walks for any signs of ticks and remove them if you do see any. Ideally, parasite control should be used, ensuring the product is effective at either repelling the ticks or killing them quickly enough to prevent disease spread. There are effective monthly spot-ons, collars and even a chewable tablet that lasts 12 weeks. Ask your vet to go through what suits you best.
● For more information on ticks, visit www.mypetonline.co.uk/bigtick-project
Do you have a pet or animal health question? Send it to us at: . Cees will endeavour to answer all questions, whether published or not!
Cees Bennett BVetMed MRCVS Veterinary surgeon and Joint Venture Partner at: Peterborough Vets4Pets 231-233 St Paul’s Road Peterborough PE1 3RL Tel: 01733 890777 & Bretton Vets4Pets Inside Pets at Home Unit 2 The Bretton Centre Peterborough PE3 8DN Tel: 01733 261094
