Ticks, ticks and more ticks!

From the deep woods to urban parks to right in your own backyard, ticks are common parasites that can be found anywhere!  These pesky arthropods are a potential danger to you and your pet. We had 3 positive cases of Lyme Disease this past week alone!

 

New York State has several species of ticks; two of the most important are deer ticks (Ixodes scapularis) and brown dog ticks (Rhipicephalus sanguineus).  

Deer ticks transmit Lyme disease which is caused by a bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferis.  Lyme disease is zoonotic which means it can be transmitted from pets to humans.  Symptoms in pets can be difficult to detect and may not appear until several months after infection. Also, symptoms may come and go and can mimic other health conditions.

Deer ticks also spread anaplasmosis (Anaplasma phagocytophilum).  This form of anaplasmosis targets white blood cells and can difficult to diagnose.  This is also a zoonotic disease and must be considered for both pet and human health.

The brown dog tick transmits another form this disease caused by Anaplasma platys. It is spread by brown dog ticks and leads to infection of platelets which can cause bleeding disorders in pets.  Brown dog ticks also carry Ehrlichia canis which is similar to anaplasmosis in that it is zoonotic and attacks white blood cells.
 

In our area of New York State, Lyme disease is the most common tick borne disease.  The best way to protect yourself and your pet is to test and vaccinate your dog annually for Lyme Disease and to use veterinarian recommended monthly preventatives on your dog and cat year round! The importance of using veterinarian recommended parasite prevention is stressed because of the severe complications and side effects of over-the-counter products, including Frontline and Heartgard. Although Frontline and Heartgard are veterinarian recommended products, unless purchased directly from your veterinarian, you cannot be certain that the product was made in the United States and subject to US federal safety guidelines. Counterfeit product is out there and unfortunately, we have seen it affect our patients.

 

It is important to check yourself and pets periodically for ticks and promptly remove them. Use tweezers (or a tick remover) to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull gently and slowly away from the skin. Do not twist, jerk, or pull hard.  Once the tick is removed, put it in rubbing alcohol. This will kill the tick. Remember to disinfect the bite wound to prevent secondary infections. 

Yard maintenance is also essential to protect against ticks. Keep brush picked up, wood stacked, and bird feeders away from high traffic areas.   Tick control should be a comprehensive effort.

 

Vaccinating for Lyme disease, using monthly preventative, maintaining your yard, and testing your pet for early detection and treatment if necessary will give your pet the greatest chance against ticks and the diseases they carry.