Ticks belong to the group of external parasites. They are dangerous for our dogs and cats because they can be vectors of dangerous diseases. Tick infestations are observed throughout the year, as these arachnids are guided by temperature rather than season. Mild winters with favourable temperatures favour a year-round infestation of these ectoparasites.
Ticks – incidence
The problem of ticks affects outdoor dogs and cats. Indoor pets are less likely to come into direct contact with these arachnids. This can occur when a tick is brought home by a dog or carer on clothing or shoes. Ticks, however, are more likely to be found on a four-legged dog’s skin where it is thin, i.e. on the abdomen, thighs, groin, muzzle area, eyes and ears.
Ticks are arachnids and belong to the same group as mites. They feed on the blood of their prey. They can remain attached to their host for up to two weeks. The tick cuts into the skin of its prey with its mouthparts; its saliva contains an anaesthetic, which means that the moment this parasite comes into contact with a pet or human may be imperceptible.
These individuals are found everywhere: in forests, meadows and allotments, in urban spaces in parks, lawns, and squares. They prefer damp places, rich in vegetation. They thrive best on shrubs, grasses and plants up to a metre high. The habitats of ticks coincide with those we choose for walks with our pets. They infect the four-legged dog while feeding on it. The time that can elapse between the penetration of this parasite and the transmission of pathogens is usually about 24 hours. Therefore, if the tick is spotted and removed immediately, there is a chance that the disease will not occur. Not every tick carries dangerous diseases.
Tick removal
Finding a tick on your pet is not easy. It is a good idea to check the condition of the hair coat on a dog after every walk, on a cat when going out after returning home. Disposable gloves should be worn when removing the tick so that the carer does not come into direct contact with it. Everything must be done to remove it whole. The tick must not be lubricated with substances, crushed or burned. If you are unable to remove the parasite yourself, it is advisable to visit a veterinary surgeon immediately with your pet and have the arachnid removed by a specialist.
Tick-borne diseases
Babesiosis
Babesiosis is a common tick-borne disease that attacks red blood cells and causes them to break down. It affects dogs far more frequently. Sick quadrupeds can be seen at veterinary facilities throughout the year, even in December or January.
If our pet is not treated against ticks, any change in behaviour may indicate infection by this arachnid. If at least one of these symptoms of babesiosis occurs, visit your vet immediately to confirm or rule out babesiosis. Symptoms of this disease include fever, listlessness, reluctance to move, lack of appetite and change in urine colour.
Lyme disease
Lyme disease and anaplasmosis are tick-borne diseases less common in pets. Lyme borreliosis involves a long process of symptom onset from 2 weeks to as long as 6 months. Symptoms are non-specific such as fever, malaise and loss of appetite. Untreated Lyme disease can lead to kidney damage, as well as arthritis and meningitis.
In the course of anaplasmosis, there is a decrease in platelet levels, which is diagnosed by laboratory tests. The first symptoms may appear as early as one week after infection. The animal loses its will to live and appetite, and there is fever, lameness and pain symptoms. In order to diagnose Lyme disease and anaplasmosis, the veterinarian can perform a rapid test or a laboratory blood test.
Protection against ticks
Dogs and cats that are outdoors should be treated regularly against ticks. This offers a chance to avoid dangerous diseases. It is necessary to administer preparations systematically, which can be in various forms. Your vet can help you choose the right product. It is worth taking into account the age, lifestyle and state of health of the animal. It is important to remember that the preparations may only be intended for dogs or cats. The application times recommended by the manufacturers should be adhered to. The next dose should be administered before the previous one has finished working, to avoid leaving your pet without any protection.
Ticks are also dangerous for people, especially pet guardians. When walking, go to tick habitats. Tick-borne encephalitis is the most common tick-borne disease found in humans. Protecting our pets against ticks allows carers to feel safer.
