If you’ve been in the woods lately, you may have run into ticks. Early reports are indicate that the tick population is thriving and looking for their next host. Not only do you need to take precautions for yourself, but also for your dog. Especially if you’re walking in tall grass or in a forest area.
Ticks can pose a health risk to dogs by potentially transmitting diseases, including Lyme disease. While not immediately harmful, ticks can cause fever, appetite loss, pain, lethargy, and even paralysis, especially if they attach at the base of the skull or spinal column. Regular tick prevention and removal are crucial for protecting dogs from these risks. I recently saw a news story about a dog that was quickly paralyzed and no one knew why. They had thought the dog must have been hit by a car or had an accident. Then after careful examination, a tick was found. Once it was removed, the dog improved quickly. But the family was just minutes from deciding to euthanize the dog before a vet tech thought to look again for ticks.
Some of the ticks borne diseases include Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis. All which include medical treatment and may cost your dog their life.
What should you do to protect your dog? Regularly administer tick preventatives like spot-on treatments, chewable tablets, or collars, as recommended by your veterinarian. Do daily checks, especially after outdoor excursions, it’s important to catch ticks early.
If you find a tick, remove it carefully using fine-tipped tweezers, pulling straight out and close to the skin to avoid leaving the head behind. I have a tool that is made to pull ticks and it is very easy to use. It’s simply called a Tick Puller and can be found at most pet stores. Do not use a match or detergent to cause the tick to back out. They will release. But when they do, they also regurgitate leaving the bacteria behind.
Always watch your dog’s daily routines and if they seem off, think ticks. Tick borne diseases cause symptoms that include:
- Loss of appetite: Dogs may lose interest in food.
- Fever: A rise in body temperature can be a sign of infection.
- Lethargy: Increased tiredness and lack of energy.
- Joint pain: Pain and lameness in the joints can indicate tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease.
If your dog is displaying any of these symptoms, alert your vet immediately.
Spring is here and with some extra vigilance and monthly meds, you can enjoy the warm weather and keep your dogs safe too. And who knows, they might even find a morel or two.
