Ticks are more than just a nuisance. They are hungry for blood and therefore latch on to dogs or humans to satisfy their hunger. During this, they transmit dangerous diseases to both. If you have a dog at home and like doing outdoor activities with them then chances are they may come in contact with these tiny vampires. Ticks are mostly found in bushy, wooded areas. So, if you live near a forest or have a backyard in your house your chances of contracting a tick-borne disease increases significantly.
Here are some common tick-borne diseases that you should be aware of to safeguard your dog;
1. Lyme Disease
This is one of the most common tick-borne diseases and is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. Symptoms in dogs can include fever, lameness, swollen joints, and lethargy. In serious cases, it can lead to kidney damage. Early detection and antibiotic treatment are important to manage this disease.
2. Anaplasmosis
Anaplasmosis, also known as "dog fever", is caused by the bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Symptoms can be quite similar to those of Lyme disease and may include fever, lethargy, joint pain, and loss of appetite. It can also lead to more severe conditions such as seizures and bleeding disorders if not treated.
3. Ehrlichiosis
Ehrlichia bacteria is responsible for this disease. It can also be chronic. Chronic ehrlichiosis can cause severe complications such as anemia, bleeding episodes, and neurological issues. Treatment involves antibiotics and supportive care.
4. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
This disease is caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii and can be fatal if not treated immediately. Symptoms include fever, joint pain, abdominal pain, vomiting, and depression. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent severe complications, including organ damage.
5. Babesiosis
Babesiosis is caused by the Babesia parasite, which infects red blood cells, leading to anemia. Symptoms include pale gums, jaundice, fever, and dark urine. In serious cases, it can lead to organ failure. Treatment typically involves antiprotozoal medications and supportive care.
Prevention Tips
Protecting your dog from ticks and the diseases they carry involves several steps:
Regular Tick Checks: Carefully check your dog for ticks after outdoor activities, especially in hard-to-see areas like between the toes, inside the ears, and around the neck.
Tick Preventatives: Use vet-recommended tick preventatives such as topical treatments, collars, or oral medications.
Yard Maintenance: Maintain your yard by mowing the lawn regularly and removing leaf litter and tall grasses where ticks thrive.
Avoid Tick-Infested Areas: When hiking or walking your dog, avoid areas known for high tick populations, such as dense woods and tall grasses.
Prompt Tick Removal: If you find a tick on your dog, remove it promptly and properly using tweezers or a tick removal tool. Grasp the tick close to the skin and pull steadily without twisting.
What to do if you find the tick population in or around your house out of control?|Well, in that case, it's best to contact a tick control service immediately. One such tick control expert is RidAway. They are EPA-approved, state-licensed, and industry-certified, and use biologically friendly pesticides that leave your home safe to return to. Also, their work is guaranteed so you can rest assured the problem will be dealt with effectively.
For a quick solution to an urgent intrusion, RidAway is ready to come to your rescue.
