Ticks are a common problem for our four legged companion in Joplin area. Ticks are common parasites that can be found anywhere, from the deep woods to our city and dog parks. Both adult and immature ticks (known as nymphs) feed off our dogs and cats. Ticks range in size from adults which are mostly the size of a match head to nymphs which may as small a a grain of pepper. Because of the small size especially the nymphs are dogs and cats may become infested with ticks totally unaware to us.
Ticks feed on our pets pets causing a local reaction at the feeding site that itches and is uncomfortable. The degree of reaction at the feeding site will vary depending on the individual. After the ticks have consumed a blood meal they will fall off in the environment where they will molt into the next stage depending on species either another nymph stage or an adult. If this is where the story stopped the discomfort our family pets suffer would bad enough but the story continues.
Ticks transmit several diseases to our pets pets that are serious and potentially life threatening. Each year, we see dogs and cats become infected with serious diseases transmitted by a number of different ticks species.
Diseases that are commonly transmitted by ticks.
| Dogs | Cats |
|---|---|
| Lymes Disease | Lymes Disease |
| Ehrlichiosis | Ehrlichiosis |
| Babesiosis | Babesiosis |
| Anaplasmosis | Haemobartonellosis |
| Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever | Tularemia |
| Tick paralysis | Cytuaxzoonosis |
The Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC), the leading source on parasitic diseases that threaten the health of pets and people has not released it’s annual forecast of the tick threat for 2017. However based on the increase of tick borne diseases over the last several years and mild winter in our area we can anticipated that 2017 will be another big year for ticks.
As if that is not enough ticks have adapted and developed resistant to many common products that have been the mainstay for treatment and prevention of ticks over the last decade. Frontline Plus, Advantage, Revolution and Advantx are proving to have mark decrease efficacy in the prevention or treatment of ticks. Other over the counter products sold under a variety of names, either peremethin or pyrethrin based, are totally ineffective. Fortunately there is a new class of tick products that have become available over the last couple of years which are proving to be extremely effective. They are Nexgard, Simparica and Bravecto in the dog. Recently Bravecto for cats has become available.
We have the means to help you prevent your four legged friend from suffering the agony of tick bites and possible contracting a fatal disease. Give a call today at 417-623-3080 and we will be glad to assist you with tick prevention.
