Ticks are small arachnids from the mite subgroup, which can transmit pathogenic microorganisms that are dangerous to both humans and animals. From year to year, the population of these parasites increases rapidly, and the percentage of ticks infected with dangerous pathogens is also increasing. So let's get to know the threat better in order to be able to deal with it in the future. A dog's tick is always an uninvited guest that needs to be dealt with quickly! However, you need to know how!
Ticks begin their seasonal activity when it is wet and the temperature during the day exceeds 5-7 ° C. Therefore, the first peak of seasonal activity falls in March-June, when they have to find a host after waking up from hibernation, and the second in September, after the summer heat. Mild winters and humid summers favor their reproduction and low mortality, which means that the tick population is constantly increasing. The vital activity of ticks is highest in the morning and evening hours, while the lowest in the afternoon hours. Ticks most often live on the edge of the forest, under trees, on the sides of paths, in places where coniferous forest becomes deciduous. Since they do not climb more than one and a half meters, they can most often be found in forest litter, in meadows, in areas covered with tall grass, dense thickets, ferns, elderberries, hazel and blackberry bushes. In built-up areas, they wait for hosts on bushes on the underside of leaves, on lawns, in parks or in recreational plots.
They can sense their victim from a distance of up to 20 meters, react to body temperature, exhaled air, ground vibrations, air movement, pheromones and the smell of sweat. After finding a host, they do not immediately stick into the skin. They actively climb in search of a place where the epidermis is thin, slightly moist and better supplied with blood. After sticking into the skin, they can feed in it for up to a week. During this time, they drink about 2 ml of blood and even increase their size six times.
A tick in a dog - how to remove it?
A tick on a dog
A dog's tick should not be underestimated. This little arachnid is dangerous and can cause many serious diseases, thereforeit is worth watching the dog after each walk, especially in the places most exposed to bites: on the head, on the neck, around the pubic area and anus.When we notice a tick on the pet's skin, we must remove it as soon as possible.
Ticks have a special mouthpiece with which they stick to the skin, so they must not be torn off. If you want to remove the parasite, you should not use any ointments, grease, varnish or disinfectants. All these substances can provoke an arachnid to transmit bacteria and viruses to the site of its bite. The tick should be unscrewed, preferably with a special tweezer called a claw. The tweezers are inserted between the skin and the tick and turned several times. Then, grab it as close to the skin as possible, pry it slightly and pull it upwards with a firm movement. If any part of the tick remains in your dog's skin, see your vet. The area after the bite should be washed with soap and water and disinfected. The skin changes that occur after removing the tick: local redness, swelling and increased skin warmth at the bite site are usually harmless. They usually pass after a few days. However, after each tick removal procedure, you need to carefully observe your pet in order not to overlook the symptoms of tick-borne disease.
Tick-borne diseases
The most common tick-borne diseases in dogs are babesiosis, Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis. Symptoms in the first stage usually resemble a common cold, which makes it difficult to diagnose the disease. So let's get to know the characteristic symptoms of individual diseases.
Babesiosis is a parasitic disease that threatens the life of a pet. Its characteristic symptoms include: fever, decreased appetite, gastrointestinal disturbances, apathy, jaundice, and an increase in heart rate and respiration. During its course, a generalized inflammatory reaction and damage to internal organs such as the kidneys, liver and pancreas often occur. The disease is diagnosed on the basis of an interview, clinical examination and blood tests.
Another serious disease transmitted mostly by the common tick is Lyme disease. Its diagnosis is based on an interview, blood test (effective only 4-6 weeks after infection) and symptoms, which include: fever, joint swelling, temporary lameness, swelling of the subcutaneous tissue, reddening of the skin around the eyes, and neurological disorders.
Tick-borne encephalitis is a viral disease caused by viruses of the genus Alphavirus of the Flaviviridae family. This disease is characterized by a two-phase fever and neurological symptoms such as: photophobia, balance disorders, hypersensitivity to sounds, bone and joint pain, limb paralysis and headaches.
Remember that any suspicion of infection with these diseases should be consulted with a veterinarian.
Dog ticks - what to choose to protect your dog?
There are many preparations available on the market to protect dogs against ticks. However, we must be aware that none of them protects XNUMX% against a parasite bite. These preparations cause the death of the tick within two days of attachment and significantly reduce the risk of infection with diseases transmitted by these arachnids. Among the means to protect against ticks, we can find collars, sprays, drops for application on the animal's skin, as well as oral tablets. It is very important to use the selected preparations on a regular basis and use them in accordance with the instructions provided by the manufacturer on the leaflet or strictly according to the veterinarian's recommendations. Regardless of the type of protection used, the fur of a four-legged dog should be inspected regularly, especially the skin of a long-haired dog.
Attention! Remember that ticks pose a threat only when they are attached to the skin of a pet for more than 24 hours. Below this period, the parasites will not have time to introduce bacteria into the wound. This means that if we intervene quickly, the dog will not be infected.
The Rottweiler is considered to be one of the oldest breeds, its history dates back to the Roman times of the conquests. Formerly, he helped to protect the herd and act as a watchman. Today he is a companion and protector of the family.
Some dogs become nervous at the sight of a leash, panic, run away, hide in corners. On walks, they try to free themselves, tear and pull. In such a situation, you should not break down your cancer. How to teach a dog to walk on a leash? You need a positive attitude, self-denial, consistency and a lot of patience.
Pomeranian is a cheerful, friendly dog with a great temperament. Despite his small size, he has a big heart and is strongly attached to his family. This is an extremely distinctive breed that attracts not only with its appearance, but also with its expressive disposition.
