Watch out for those sneaky ticks! They're on the prowl, ready to invade your garden, local park, or even the concrete jungle. No place is off-limits to these parasites! And here's the kicker: not only are they gross and crawly, but they also come equipped with seriously nasty tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease. While they indulge in their blood feast, they might pass on a disease to your pets or even to you! Keep your eyes peeled for those ticks and show them who's boss!
While Lyme disease is not commonly found in the Philippines, it is still a serious condition that should not be taken lightly. Caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, Lyme disease can affect not only humans but also our furry companions, including dogs and, although less frequently, cats. Ticks play a crucial role in transmitting this disease, as they can become carriers after feeding on the blood of infected animals, acting as a reservoir for the infection. That's why it is absolutely vital to prioritize tick treatment for dogs to reduce the risk of Lyme disease.
In countries where Lyme disease is prevalent, the sheep tick (Ixodes ricinus) is the most commonly found tick on pets and is the primary carrier of this disease. Humans should also be cautious, as Lyme disease can be transmitted to humans by infected ticks.
How can you tell if your pet has Lyme disease?
Unlike humans, who often experience a distinctive rash as an early warning sign, our furry friends, unfortunately, do not. The initial signs of Lyme disease in pets are typically less specific and may include loss of appetite, tiredness, low energy, and occasional lameness. Lyme disease can also induce flu-like symptoms, mild illness, and possibly a fever in pets.
Therefore, if your four-legged companion suddenly appears more fatigued than usual or displays any other symptoms, it is crucial to have them examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Even if you haven't noticed any ticks on your pet, it is possible that they may have already detached after engorging themselves, leaving behind a potentially harmful infection.
Prevention is key!
It's vital that we, as pet owners, take action against ticks to protect our four-legged friends from tick-borne infections. How to get rid of ticks on dogs? Use only tried and tested products recommended by your vet, and don't rely on home remedies for fleas and ticks, as these may not be effective. To help you, here are our top 5 tick-busting tips:
- 1. After walks, thoroughly check your furry friend from nose to tail, paying close attention to tick hotspots such as the head, ears, neck, feet, armpits, and groin.
- 2. Regularly vacuum your home to remove ticks that may have fallen off your pet and could be hiding in carpets and rugs.
- 3. If you spot a tick on your pet, promptly apply a spot-on anti-tick and flea treatment. Ticks are more likely to transmit infection if they remain attached for over 24 hours!
- 4. Avoid squeezing, piercing, or burning a tick attached to your pet, as this can increase the risk of spreading any infection they carry.
- 5. Apply Fipronil + (S)-Methoprene (FRONTLINE® Plus) flea and tick treatment regularly to all cats and dogs in your household throughout the year. It effectively kills adult fleas within 24 hours and ticks within 48 hours. Look for FRONTLINE® Plus for dogs and FRONTLINE® Plus for cats at vet clinics and pet supply stores.
By following these preventive measures and using suitable tick treatments, you can protect your pets from the risks associated with Lyme disease and ensure their well-being all year round.
*ESCCAP, Ticks: information for pet owners, Fact Sheet 2 V001, 2011
FRONTLINE® Plus contains Fipronil and (S)-methoprene.
