All dog walkers should be aware of the dangers of a serious bacterial infection called Lyme disease, which is passed on by ticks to them and their dog.
Dogs, cats and humans can all get Lyme disease. Although it’s uncommon in cats and less serious in dogs, in humans it can be extremely serious, debilitating, life changing and in very rare cases can prove fatal.
Ticks are spider-like small parasites that bite into the skin and suck blood from other animals, including us.
Initially they are extremely small, but swell as they eat, eventually becoming pea sized and therefore easier to spot and remove.
When -Ticks are active throughout the year. However, you are most likely spot them between spring and autumn.
Where –Ticks are tiny creatures that live in woodland and areas of long grass. They are particularly prevalent if there are deer and other wildlife.
How –Ticks don’t fly or jump like fleas do. Instead they climb or drop on you or on your pet’s coat as they brush past whatever the tick is sitting on.
Tick removal
When using a tick remover, you should insert under the tick and rotate 360 degrees. The aim is to entirely remove the tick and its mouthparts from yourself or your pet.
Tick removal methods to avoid Never burn the tick off or try and use chemicals or lotions to kill it.
Do keep the tick in a container to show to the veterinary or medical professionals so they can ensure has been removed entirely.
Lyme disease in humans: Lyme disease is a serious illness in humans, characterised by flu like symptoms, lethargy and aches and pains. 50% of people with Lyme disease develop a classic bulls eye type rash, which can appear on any part of the body and not necessarily where they were bitten.
Severe long-term problems If Lyme disease is diagnosed and treated quickly it is possible to make a full recovery, however it can cause paralysis, arthritis, meningitis and severe long-term problems.
Lyme disease in dogs: it only causes symptoms in 5-10% of affected dogs. Furthermore, the initial symptoms differ too, as they don’t display the same ‘bullseye’ rash. As a result, you may now know that your pet is affected until they attend the vet with some other problem.
symptoms of Lyme disease with cats and dogs include:
Depression
Loss of appetite
Fever
Lameness
Swollen and painful joints
Swollen lymph nodes
Lethargic.
If your dog displays any of these symptoms, please visit your vet as soon as possible.
Tick prevention
Cover up with long trousers and socks when walking in woodland and long grass and always check yourself, your clothes and your dog for ticks on your return.
Get into the habit of checking for ticks on a daily basis. If you find them learn how to remove them properly to prevent infection.
Tick treatment
You can also use a treatment to stop ticks from biting your pet. The treatment works by either killing or repelling the tick if they attach. They come in tablet form or spot on treatments.
Treatment for Lyme disease
Early detection is key. If caught early, Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics. Therefore, if you think your dog or cat has Lyme disease, contact your vet who can run tests and start treatment if necessary.
Emma Hammett
Emma Hammett is a qualified nurse, author and first aid trainer with over 30 years’ healthcare and teaching experience. Emma is the Founder of three multi-award-winning businesses; First Aid for Life, Onlinefirstaid.com, First Aid for Pets and her social cause StaySafe.support. She has published multiple books and is an acknowledged first aid expert and authority on accident prevention, health and first aid. Emma writes for numerous online and print publications and regularly features in the press, on the radio and on TV. She is the first aid expert for the British Dental Journal, British Journal of School Nursing, the Mail online and Talk Radio with Eamonn Holmes. She is a member of the Guild of Health Writers and Guild of Nurses.
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Something to be aware of in this warm weather! A useful article.
on June 27, 2019 at 12:51 pm talkhealth