Be Tick Smart…
Introduction
Summer is here and with it comes the tick season, Ticks are parasites that attach themselves to dogs, feed on blood and transmit diseases directly into the dog’s system. Most of these diseases are life threatening and pose a serious risk to our loved pets if not treated early. Some also can be passed on to us as well. It is therefore paramount that as we welcome the summer and the challenge posed by these parasites, we are aware of what to do and how to prevent them.
Prevention and Control
Regular tick bathsInjections with certain drugsSpot ons applied regularly on the coatTick and Flea collarsOral Anti Tick and Flea Medications
Some of the Signs to watch out for if your dog is affected include:
Loss of appetiteFeverVomitingGeneral weakness and decreased activity level.Abnormal bleeding i.e. Nose bleeds, patches of bruising, red spots on the gumsWeight lossPale or Yellow gums or of membranes around the eyeSwollen LimbsDiarrhea
*** Always remember to take your dog to the vet for a check up if you notice any of these signs as early diagnosis could mean the difference between life and death.
Treatment and After Care
The key to curing tick-borne disease is early diagnosis and treatment. Several broad-spectrum antibiotics to treat tick-borne disease are generally effective, especially in the early stages of the disease. (Several weeks of treatment may be required to ensure full recovery).
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