Ticks are more than a nuisance

It’s safe to say that we have all enjoyed the recent weather here in northeast Indiana. Pets and their owners have undoubtedly been spending more and more time enjoying the great outdoors—a trend that will only continue over the next several months. However, there may be a large downside to the mild winter and early spring that we have enjoyed this year, as many experts believe that we will be combating larger than normal bug populations this summer and fall. Of course we will not be the only ones encountering these warm weather pests, as our pets will also be affected. Not only can bugs be an annoyance to our pets, some of them also pose significant health risks. Last month we reviewed the potentially deadly heartworm disease, which is transmitted to our pets by mosquitoes. Later this year we will discuss fleas and the problems they can cause. This month’s article will focus on ticks, specifically an overview of their biology, the health risks that they pose to our pets, and what pet owners can do to prevent tick-borne illness in their dogs and cats.

Tick Biology:

Ticks are not actually insects; they, like spiders and mites, are arachnids. Ticks go through numerous life stages (egg, larva, nymph, adult) and will pass between different host animals during these stages. Ticks bite and attach to their host, allowing them to take a blood meal. A common misconception is that ticks are only present in heavily wooded areas and are therefore only a risk to pets that enter such environments. However, ticks can live in almost any setting, including backyards and parks. In northeast Indiana, ticks are typically most prevalent between the months of April and November, however they can be found year round.

Below: Photo of various ticks that have been removed from dogs (photo courtesy of Waynedale Animal Clinic, 2012)

Health Risks:

Ticks feed on the blood of their host, and in severe infestations can cause a depletion of their host’s red blood cells (anemia). However, the more common health risk to our pets is the transmission of tick-borne disease. The most well known of these tick-borne diseases is Lyme disease, however there are several others, including Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis. These diseases can cause a variety of clinical signs, including fever, lethargy, and joint swelling/pain and can be difficult to diagnose and treat. Therefore, it is best to take preventative steps to avoid tick-related health problems in your pets.

Tick Control & Prevention:

There are several ways to protect your pets from ticks and the diseases that they carry. First, there are several tick prevention products, both in the form of tick collars and topical pour-on liquids, which kill and detach ticks from your pet. It is important to remember that many of these products are not labeled for use on cats or young animals, so always consult your veterinarian before choosing a tick control product for your pet. When practical for you and your pet, tick exposure can also be decreased by avoiding areas where tick populations will be highest (e.g., wooded areas, areas with high grass, areas frequented by wildlife, etc.). However, remember that ticks can thrive in almost any setting.

Also, no tick preventive product is 100% effective, so it is important to regularly check your pets for ticks. If you ever do find a tick on your pet, it needs to be correctly and carefully removed as soon as possible. Contact your veterinarian to find out the best way to remove ticks from your pet or if there is any question as to whether a tick has been completely removed. Remember, if you have found a tick on your pet, it is very likely that there will be more in the future, so get your pet started on a safe and effective tick control product based on your veterinarian’s recommendations as soon as possible.

It is best to be proactive with tick prevention by starting your pet on an appropriate tick control program before they are exposed, rather than waiting until you find ticks on your pet. If you have questions about ticks and tick prevention for your pets, contact your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can help you to evaluate your pet’s risk for tick exposure and can make suggestions about what tick prevention products and practices are best suited for their individual needs. Remember that your veterinarian should be your number one and most trusted source for pet health information.

Waynedale Animal Clinic
6221 Bluffton Road
Ft. Wayne, IN 46809
(260) 747-4196

Dr. Hugh S. Glidewell, DVM
Dr. Andrew W. Riebe, DVM

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