If it’s above 4 degrees, ticks are active.
The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association wants pet owners to be aware that ticks can be active in every season due to the fluctuating weather we have been experiencing.
They recommend taking measures to protect pets and family members against these parasites.
Your pets best defense against tick-borne illness is avoid the insect.
Your second best defense is to remove any that latch on…. You should check your pets from nose to tail, any time you have been near tall grass or trees.
There are a number of tick prevention plans that vets offer…both oral and topical.
The idea is to prevent the insect from transmitting a number of diseases to your family pet.
For more information
Common Diseases Caused by Ticks
Lyme Disease – Many dogs who are exposed to Lyme disease never develop any symptoms.
If they do, watch for joint swelling and pain, Lameness, Fever, Lethargy (decreased energy),Swollen lymph nodes, some dogs will develop kidney disease.
Most veterinarians will recommend oral antibiotics.
Anaplasmosis – Lethargy, Joint pain or reluctance to move, Generalized discomfort, Fever, Anorexia (not wanting to eat), Limping, Vomiting and/or diarrhea, Bloody nose
Veterinarians will most likely prescribe a course of antibiotics.
Babesiosis – Will cause damage to red blood cells. Sometimes it is so severe it leads to liver disease, kidney disease, and central nervous system complications. Symptoms, Appetite loss, Vomiting, Yellow Eyes or Skin, Difficulty Breathing and Difficulty Walking.
Dogs are usually treated with antibiotics. Blood transfusions and fluid therapy are sometimes necessary.
Ehrlichiosis – The bacteria infects white blood cells and impacts platelets, sometimes causing clotting can cause symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, bleeding, and neurological issues.
Treatment can include antibiotics and in more serious cases, IV fluids and blood transfusions.