e-Vet ALERT: Ticks and Disease

Topic: A Particularly Bad Year For Ticks

by D.E.L.T.A. Rescue Veterinarian, Dr. Gaylord Brown

ticks_gisella_may2013We are being challenged at the sanctuary by this pesky pest! Discussions with my colleagues indicate this seems to be a common problem, at least throughout Southern California.

Besides the obvious problems of potential anemia if heavily infested; ticks can also carry a number of diseases. Lyme’s disease, ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, anaplasmosis, and Rocky Mountain Spotted fever are the most common tick borne diseases.

The symptoms of all of these diseases are similar.

  • Fever,
  • depression,
  • discomfort in the joints,
  • and anorexia are common.

More severely afflicted dogs will also have vomiting and diarrhea. Death may occur! A period of tick feeding is required to transmit these diseases. Therefor, quick removal will help prevent infection.

If your pet exhibits any of these signs after a tick infestation have them examined by your veterinarian.

  • When hiking with your pet make efforts to treat with a high quality tick repellant. Pyrethrin based products are extremely safe.
  • If your yard or home is infested use a spot on product for dogs and cats containing fipronil. These pets may still be sprayed with pyrethrins, as needed according to label directions.
  • You may treat the yard with sevin dust or spray. Due to the life cycle of ticks plan on treating the premises every two weeks for at least three treatments.

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