Hey there, pet parents! Mel from Companion Animal Veterinary Hospital in Dapto here. With tick season upon us, I wanted to share some vital info from our recent Ask a Vet Live session. We're already seeing our first tick cases of the season, so it's time to get serious about prevention and detection.
Understanding Ticks and Their Dangers
Ticks, especially paralysis ticks, are a major concern for our furry friends. These little critters can range from pinhead size to as big as the tip of my finger when engorged. They're not just creepy (seriously, have you seen a giant model of one? Yikes!) but also dangerous. Ticks can cause serious illnesses and, in some cases, can be fatal.
Tick Prevention: What Works?
Prevention is always better than cure. Products like Bravecto or Simparica are great for keeping ticks at bay. Remember, if your pet is on effective tick prevention, you don't have to panic about every hind end issue being tick-related. But, it's crucial to use these products correctly – for example, topical tick preventatives often need to be applied every two weeks, not monthly.
How to Check Your Pet for Ticks
Let's talk about doing a tick search. It's all about the 'finger walk':
- Start at the Head: Check around the lips, eyes (even under eyelids), and inside the ears.
- Underneath the Collar: Remove the collar and check thoroughly.
- Don't Forget the Pits: Armpits are a common hiding spot.
- Legs and Toes: Check all surfaces, especially between the toes.
- Under the Tail: This area is often overlooked.
- Feel for Lumps: Ticks can feel like small lumps on the skin.
Removing Ticks
If you find a tick, don't panic. Twisting and pulling them off is usually effective. Don't worry too much about leaving parts behind; the focus is on getting the tick off quickly.
Common Questions Answered
- Leeches vs. Ticks: Leeches don't carry diseases like ticks do, but it's still not great for your pet to eat them.
- Revolution for Tick Prevention: Nope, Revolution doesn't prevent ticks in cats or dogs.
- Removing Ticks: Tweezers or tick extractors work, but the key is to remove the tick, regardless of method.
- Ticks Jumping from Pets to Humans: Unlikely. Ticks usually stay put once they've found a host.
Final Thoughts
Tick season is here, and it's crucial to be prepared. If you're unsure about your pet's tick prevention plan or need help with a tick check, come see us at Companion Animal Veterinary Hospital. We're here to help keep your pets safe and healthy.
Until next time, stay vigilant and give your pets an extra cuddle from me!
Cheers, Mel
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