Ticks are out and about at this time of year, enjoying their holidays just like we are. But ticks aren’t out to have a good time like us; they’re looking for blood to feast on. Did you know that they are carriers of diseases, such as Lyme disease, and that they can pass these onto your furry best friend or even you as they feed?
What is Lyme Disease?
It’s caused by a nasty bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi and it’s an infection that can affect dogs, humans and, less commonly, our feline friends too. Ticks can become carriers of this disease after feeding on the blood of infected wildlife, which act as a reservoir for this infection.
Worryingly, the most common type of tick found on our pets (the sheep tick, Ixodes ricinus) is the main carrier of this disease. Humans should be wary too, as this tick can also attach to and infect us – so watch out!
Symptoms of Lyme Disease in Humans
Early symptoms of Lyme disease in people mimic the flu, and may include a high temperature, fatigue and headaches. Often people will also develop a red ‘bull’s-eye’ rash around the tick bite. This circular or oval-shaped rash usually appears within 1-4 weeks of being bitten by an infected tick, but it can take up to 4 months to appear.
Symptoms of Lyme Disease in Dogs
In dogs however, Lyme disease doesn’t present itself in the same way and the early signs can be less easy to spot. Dog Lyme disease symptoms to look for include fatigue, loss of appetite, fever, swollen joints and sometimes lameness.
Symptoms of Lyme Disease in Cats
Lyme disease in cats is far less common than it is in dogs. Symptoms can include the same ones that dogs exhibit such as fever, lethargy and swollen joints, but they are usually much milder in cats and may not be displayed at all.
Can Lyme Disease Kill You?
Lyme disease is a serious condition and can be fatal if left untreated. However, this is very rare. Treatment for Lyme disease usually entails a simple course of antibiotics, so as long as you see a doctor (or vet) quickly, it is very unlikely to be fatal to you or your pet.
What Should I Do if I Suspect My Pet Has Lyme Disease?
If your pet starts showing any symptoms similar to those above, get them checked over by your vet as soon as you can. You may not have noticed a tick on your pet, but this could be because it’s got all it needed from your pet and dropped off, so it’s still important to get them checked out if you’re in any doubt.
Getting a diagnosis can be difficult and the tests don’t always provide absolute answers, but if you are concerned about your pet’s health for any reason it is best to seek veterinary advice.
How Do You Prevent Lyme Disease in Pets?
It’s best to check your pet for ticks when you get back from a walk, especially if you’ve been walking in woodland, heathland, moorland or long damp grass.
Effipro Duo is a spot-on treatment for dogs and cats that is effective against fleas as well as ticks.
It is also a good idea to invest in a tick remover to safely remove ticks from your pet.
Flea and tick collars such as Canishield help to protect your dog from ticks for up to six months, and will also effectively kill fleas for 16 weeks. These collars slowly release their active ingredients over time, and can kill fleas and repel biting lice.
Protecting your pet from ticks all year round is essential and this is where our range of flea and tick products can help. A preventative treatment is needed to protect your pet from ticks and some will also protect your pet from fleas at the same time – bonus!
Products such as Vectra 3D for dogs aim to repel ticks, helping to prevent them biting in the first place, whereas Frontline TriAct will kill ticks and fleas within hours of biting.
Lyme disease is an unpleasant infection that is best prevented by avoiding contact with ticks. However, if you do spot any of the symptoms discussed above, or are worried about your pet, then it’s always best to get checked by a vet. Spotting Lyme disease early usually means that it can be treated more easily.
