Not only are ticks nasty little critters, but they are also the cause of some severe health conditions relating to your p...
Not only are
ticks nasty little critters, but they are also the cause of some severe health
conditions relating to your pets. By following a few simple preventative
actions, you can protect your pet from having these parasites and prevent any
discomfort or illness as a result of a tick bite.
1. Apply
fleas and tick treatment throughout the year
Ticks and fleas
are more commonly spotted during the warmer summer months, some of them can
survive indoors during the colder months. Veterinarians recommend that you must
take preventative steps throughout the year, not only during the warmer
Seasons. Ask your Vet to suggest the best remedy for your animal and make sure
you follow the instructions correctly.
2. Don’t use
old or expired products
More and more
products are manufactured. It may be a great idea to ask your veterinarian
every now and again about the latest products. Make sure you always check
expiry dates on the packaging, as the products lose effectiveness once they’ve
gone past their expiry date.
3. Avoid
using canine products on cats
Tick and flea
preventative products that are specially formulated for canines can contain
ingredients that are lethal to cats and can result in severe illness which may
require veterinarian services. Products must always be used as intended.
4. Check your
pets regularly
Do a thorough
evaluation of your pet’s skin, under armpits and the ears for possible ticks or
bites. The best way to inhibit serious illnesses such as Lyme disease or tick
paralysis is finding and eliminating ticks as soon as possible. Ensure your
remove a tick correctly. Monitor the behaviour of your pet carefully and if you
suspect that your pet has a life-threatening disease such as tick paralysis you
need to get your pet to a veterinarian for tick paralysis treatment
immediately.
5. Grooming
Grooming is an
excellent way to check your pet regularly for parasites that may be hidden
under your pet’s fur, and it calls for a great opportunity to spend quality
time with your dog or cat.
6. Keeping
the yard clean
Another
excellent preventative measure is to clean your yard often by mowing the lawn
(as ticks like to sit in high grass), raking leaves and sweeping areas around
the house and areas where your pet spend a lot of time to prevent fleas or
other parasites from breeding.
7. Take your
pets for regular check-ups
A veterinarian
can examine your pet during his routine check-ups and make sure your pet is
free from any parasites or related problems.
Conditions
that are caused by ticks:
Lyme disease
Transmitted by
ticks and include symptoms of swollen joints, lameness fever and poor appetite.
Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
A serious infection
with symptoms of painful muscles and joints, poor appetite and fever.
Ehrlichiosis
Can be a severe
or mild infection and include symptoms of high fever, bleeding, depression and
appetite loss.
Tick paralysis
Can be a
life-threatening disease and must be treated immediately. Include symptoms such
as fast heart rate, high blood pressure, vomiting, unsteadiness and paralysis
in the hind legs.
