Paws and Claws: Ticks can cause diseases in pets
by Cindy Anderson, DVM
Ticks are a type of parasite commonly found in the United States and all over the world. They also are part of the arachnid class of insects.
Ticks are classified into two different categories: hard ticks and soft ticks. Ticks are considered to be ectoparasites, which means they live on the outside of a host’s body. They do their damage from the outside in and receive their nutrients from their host. They do this by feeding on the blood of the host mammal.
They have four main life stages that go from egg, to larval stage, to nymph stage, and finally to the adult stage that we all most commonly think of when we hear the word “tick.”
Depending on the species, ticks can range in size from 1 mm to 6 mm. Ticks can be brown, green, white, or black in color.
Many times ticks are described as being engorged, which means that they are full and round. This occurs after feeding off their host animal.
Ticks can cause diseases
Ticks can spread multiple different diseases to many different types of mammals with varying symptoms to them all.
• Lyme disease: Typical symptoms include joint soreness, lethargy, lymph node enlargement, and fevers of unknown origin.
• Ehrlichiosis: Similar to Lyme disease in many ways.
• Rocky Mountain spotted fever: The tick’s saliva is infected with a small type of bacteria called Rickettsia rickettsii.
• Babesiosis: This bacteria affects the dog’s red blood cells and is highly transmitted through a tick bite.
• Anaplasmosis: Transmitted to your pet from the blacklegged tick and the brown dog tick.
How to prevent ticks
One of the most effective ways to prevent ticks on your pet is to use a tick-prevention product such as topical treatments, oral medications, and tick collars. These products work by repelling or killing the ticks upon contact with the pet’s skin.
Make sure to check your pets daily for ticks, especially after they have been outdoors. Be aware of the environment. Ticks thrive in tall grass and wooded areas, so avoid these when possible.
For help preventing ticks on your pets, contact us at the Lakelands Trail Veterinary Clinic, 4525 S. M-52, Stockbridge, MI 49285, or call 517-655-5551.
Cindy Anderson, DVM, is a graduate of MSU Veterinary College (1992) and has practiced veterinary medicine for more than 28 years.