As the weather warms up and outdoor adventures become more frequent, so does the risk of tick exposure for our beloved pets. At SAVES, we want to ensure that pet parents are well-informed and prepared to protect their furry family members from the dangers of ticks.

Why Tick Prevention Matters

Ticks are more than just a nuisance. They are carriers of serious diseases that can affect both pets and humans. Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis are just a few of the illnesses transmitted by ticks. These diseases can lead to long-term health complications if not detected and treated early.

Common Tick-Borne Illnesses in Pets

Lyme Disease Caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, Lyme disease is transmitted primarily by the black-legged tick (also known as the deer tick). Dogs infected with Lyme disease may show signs such as:

• Fever

• Lameness that shifts from leg to leg

• Swollen joints, lymph nodes

• Lethargy

• Loss of appetite

• Infertility and abortion in dogs

Certain long-term effects, such as Lyme Nephritis, can be fatal if left untreated - so it’s important to get your pet seen right away.

Ehrlichiosis Transmitted by the brown dog tick, this disease is caused by Ehrlichia bacteria. Symptoms can include:

• Fever

• Weight loss

• Nosebleeds

• Swollen lymph nodes

• Neurological issues in severe cases

• Infertility and abortion in dogs

Anaplasmosis Also spread by the black-legged tick, anaplasmosis can cause:

• Joint pain

• Fever

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Infertility and abortion in dogs

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever This potentially fatal disease is transmitted by the American dog tick, the Rocky Mountain wood tick, and the Brown dog tick. Symptoms may include:

• Poor appetite

• Muscle or joint pain

• Fever

• Coughing

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Swelling of the face or legs

• Wobbling when walking

• Infertility and abortion in dogs

Tick-borne illnesses can take days or even weeks to show symptoms, so early detection and prevention are key.

Prevention Is the Best Protection

Here are some essential tips to keep your pets safe:

• Consult with your primary veterinarian for a veterinarian-recommended tick preventative that can be used year-round. These come in various forms, including topical treatments, oral medications, and collars. Giving your pets a preventative also aids in reducing the likelihood of live ticks being brought into the home, which could bite and infect humans.

• Perform regular tick checks after your pet has been outdoors. Prompt removal of ticks can reduce the risk of disease transmission.

• Keep your yard tick-free by mowing the lawn regularly, removing leaf litter, and creating a barrier between wooded areas and your lawn.

• Avoid high-risk areas during peak tick season or keep your pet on a leash and on clear paths.

What to Do If You Find a Tick

If you discover a tick on your pet:

1. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible.

2. Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Avoid twisting or jerking the tick. This may take some time, so patience is key.

3. Clean the bite area and your hands with soap and water.

4. Dispose of the tick by placing it in alcohol, sealing it in a bag, or flushing it down the toilet.

5. Monitor your pet for signs of illness and contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinarian if symptoms appear.

When to Seek Emergency Care

If your pet shows signs of a tick-borne illness, such as fever, joint swelling, or sudden behavioral changes, don’t wait. Bring them to SAVES for immediate evaluation. Early intervention can make a significant difference in outcomes. Tick-borne infections can progress to serious life-threatening diseases such as acute kidney failure or severe immune mediated illnesses if left untreated.

Your Pet’s Health Is Our Priority

At SAVES, we’re here 24/7 to support you and your pets. Tick safety is a shared responsibility, and with the right knowledge and tools, you can help keep your furry companions safe and healthy all season long.