Ticks, what are they and how do I deal with them?

The topic for this quarter's newsletter will be ticks, and Lyme Disease in dogs.

We will see many dogs this summer and autumn because their owners have seen ticks attached to them, and want them removed properly. We all need to be aware of the possibility of dogs contracting Lyme Disease from an infected tick.

The Tick.

The most common tick in the Borders is the sheep tick "Ixodes ricinus", and can be found anywhere from town centre hedgerows, to hillsides and woodlands; basically wherever you and your dog like to walk. The hedgehog tick "Ixodes hexagonus" is also common. They will land on your dog's coat and try and bite and feed on blood. (They also don't mind humans.) Ticks can be very difficult to identify at first (especially if your dog is long coated) and may only become visible when they been feeding from your dog's blood after a few days. However, ticks take up to two weeks to be fully engorged and only then will they drop off naturally.

Removal.

There is only one safe way to remove a tick, and that is with a dedicated tick removal hook. The tick is scooped up and lifted off the dog whilst twisting. This ensures the entire tick is removed and the mouthparts in particular are not left behind. Old methods of Vaseline/ spirits/ burning, may kill the tick, but the mouthparts left in the skin may become infected and cause problems and discomfort. The tick hooks can be bought over the counter at any Merlin branch.

 Prevention.

 Even if a tick is removed safely from your dog, it may have already passed on infections such as Lyme Disease into the bloodstream. (Ixodes ricinus) Stopping the tick biting in the first place is the best way to go, and is easily achieved by applying regular spot on treatments of products such as Advantix, or Frontline. These can be purchased over the counter, and advice given if needed.

Lyme Disease.

 This is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdoferi, and is transmitted by the saliva from a bite of an infected tick. Lyme Disease can also affect humans. Symptoms in your dog may be lethargy, anorexia, lameness (caused by swollen painful joints), swollen lymph glands, and fever. A blood test can help determine if your dog has been exposed to the disease, however it may be prudent to start a course of antibiotics, and if the disease is confirmed, may need to be continued for a month. If left untreated, major body organs can be affected.

 (NM)