Tick Protection for Dogs and Cats in Limerick
Did you know that Pennsylvania has more cases of tick-borne illness than any other state? Ticks are very common in the eastern part of the US, and because the deer population is increasing, the tick population is also growing rapidly. Our animal hospital can help you take the necessary steps to protect not just your pet, but your entire family. Take a moment to learn more about ticks and how to prevent the spread of tick-borne diseases!
Which Ticks To Be Concerned About
There are actually about 90 different species of ticks in the US, and 25 of those can be found in our state. However, only about 4 of those 25 pose a real threat: the blacklegged (deer) tick, the American dog tick, the Lone Star tick, and the groundhog tick.
Diseases Ticks Can Spread
Not all ticks are carriers of harmful bacteria or parasites, but it’s best not to discriminate when it comes to protecting against them. The most prevalent tick-borne diseases pets and people can fall victim to include:
- Lyme disease
- Ehrlichiosis/anaplasmosis
- Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
- Tick paralysis
- Babesiosis
Fever, lameness, and lack of appetite are the main symptoms of illness. If your pet has these symptoms, they should be examined by their veterinarian right away. While tick-borne illnesses are often treatable, preventing them altogether is much easier and spares your pet from the stress and discomfort of infection.
Tick Bite Prevention Tips
The best way to fight infection? Don’t let ticks bite. Here are some of the things you can do to prevent the spread of tick-borne illness.
- Keep giving your pet their parasite preventatives (which should include tick protection) as directed, all throughout the year.
- Check your pet for ticks before they come inside. Look between their toes, inside their ears, under their tail, under their legs—everywhere you can. Ticks are quite tiny, especially when they’re in their nymph stage, so be thorough!
- When going on walks with your pet, stay on wide, clear paths away from dense vegetation and low-hanging branches. Ticks hide in tall grasses and brush, where it’s easy for them to lie in wait for a passing host.
- Before going into a wooded and/or grassy area, wear light-colored clothing (and a hat to cover your hair) that has been treated with permethrin and spray yourself with bug spray that is 20-30% DEET.
- Keep trees and bushes trimmed back, keep grass short, and dispose of leaf litter right away. The goal is to deprive ticks of quality hiding places.
- Check your own clothes and hair before going into the house. Wash all clothing in hot water and dry on high heat in case any ticks managed to work their way into the fibers.