Seasonal problems: TICKS
TICKS are
small parasites that often present a problem for dogsand cats. They have a complicated life cycle that involves them
attaching to a warm blooded host to feed.
They attach firmly to the skin, then feed by sucking blood from
the host, causing the ticks body to swell.
Not only are ticks unpleasant for the owner and irritating for the
animal, but they can spread several conditions via the bloodstream.
important tick-borne diseases are much more common.
So when travelling abroad it is necessary to treat for ticks regularly.
You must also treat (under the supervision of a veterinary surgeon)
before returning to the U.K. as part of the Pet Passport Scheme.
At the surgery we commonly encounter dogs with single sheep
ticks. These may have been picked up when on holiday in Wales
or the Lake District, or even when walking near Poynton Pool or
in Lyme Park.
Inquisitive cats often come in with many ticks around their head.
These can come from hedgehogs or birds, both of which often
carry many ticks.
Recently, we were presented with a dog that had been stuck in
a rabbit hole and had over 200 ticks over all its body.
If your animal has a tick, do not attempt to pull it off!
You may leave the mouth-parts embedded in the skin.
Preventive treatment is the best approach. Some of the
standard flea treatments are effective against ticks,
although they may need to be given more often than
when treating against fleas.
Please telephone the surgery for advice on the best method of prevention or how to deal with a tick.