The tick is here!
The tick is here - if you live in Vestfold, you are particularly at risk!
Tick season is in full swing and here in Vestfold we are extra exposed. The wood tick (Ixodes ricinus) is a parasite that sucks the blood of birds and mammals. It can potentially transmit viruses or bacteria and lead to illness in both pets and us humans.
Table of contents
How to protect a dog or cat from ticks?
More and more products have gradually come on the market to protect animals from ticks. There are necklaces,
spot-on solutions and tablets against ticks. These products have different active substances and mechanisms. Collars and most spot-on solutions have in common that they have a repelling effect. This means that the tick will not attach. The tablets only have an effect when the tick comes into contact with the body fluid of the animal, then the tick dies. It is also possible to use a combination of several preparations for optimal protection. The preparations have different durations. Consult us and we will find a solution that suits you and your animal.
Local reactions to tick bites - a symptom of Lyme disease?
It is known in humans that a rash around the bite site (erythema migrans) is a symptom of Lyme disease.
Dogs, on the other hand, do not get the characteristic red ring in the skin when infected. Many still get local reactions to tick bites, but this has nothing to do with the borrelia bacteria. When the tick sucks blood, it also injects anticoagulants to prevent the blood from clotting. It also injects a kind of "cement" to sit extra firmly in the vector. These are often the reasons why dogs get swelling and redness at the bite site. If there is a small residue of the tick, this is not dangerous, it will come out on its own! Use wound ointments or general products for wound treatment (e.g. Chlorhexidine) if the bite site has become slightly inflamed.
Diseases that can be transmitted by tick bites
Borrelia, Anaplasma and TBE virus (Tick borne encephalitis virus) are examples of bacteria and viruses that ticks in Norway can transmit. Lyme disease is very uncommon in cats, but dogs are more susceptible. It takes 24 hours for Borrelia bacteria to be transmitted. It is therefore important to remove ticks as quickly as possible if you discover them on your pet. You can read more about tick bites here.
Contagion from animals to humans?
None of the aforementioned diseases are transmitted directly from animals to humans. However, remember that your animal can bring ticks in with them and these can easily attach to you or other family members! Several preparations are available if you want to avoid this, contact your vet.
Vaccine
A vaccine against Borreliosis has been developed. This is an annual vaccine and we would like to emphasize that the vaccine only protects against the disease, not against the tick. There is no vaccine against Anaplasmosis or TBE for dogs and cats.
How to remove ticks
Removing ticks from a dog using a tick remover is a safe and effective method. Here are the steps you should follow:
1. Prepare yourself and the dog: Find a quiet place where the dog can feel comfortable. It can be helpful to have another person present to keep the dog calm and quiet.
2. Wear Gloves if you have them: To protect yourself, it is wise to wear gloves. This prevents direct contact with the tick and possible infectious agents.
3. Locate the tick: Find the tick on the dog's body. Ticks can often be found around the head, ears, neck and between the toes, but they can attach anywhere on the body.
4. Place the tick remover: Place the tick remover around, from the side of the tick, as close to the dog's skin as possible.
5. Remove the tick: Gently twist or lift the tick remover, depending on the type of tick remover you are using. Some tick removers work by gently twisting the tick, as illustrated in the pictures, while others squeeze and pull the tick straight out. It is important to be careful not to squeeze or crush the tick, as this can increase the risk of transmitting infectious agents.
6. Inspect the Bite Site: After the tick is removed, inspect the area where the tick was attached. It should be clean and without any remains of the tick.
7. Disinfect and Monitor: Disinfect the bite site on the dog, as well as the tick remover. Monitor the bite site for signs of infection or irritation for the following days.
8. Discard or Store the Tick: If you are concerned that the tick may have transmitted a disease, it may be a good idea to store the tick in a sealed bag or container for possible testing. If not, dispose of it properly.
9. Wash Your Hands: Even if you used gloves, it is a good practice to wash your hands thoroughly after the procedure.
If you are unsure how to use the tick remover, or if your dog shows signs of illness after a tick bite, contact your vet for advice and treatment, or call us on 33139840
Elisabeth is a veterinarian and authorized ophthalmologist with specialization in eye surgery, as well as further training in internal medicine, general surgery, oral surgery and ultrasound from the European School for Advanced Veterinary Studies in Toulouse.
