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Check for hidden dangers – ticks
It might be November but the unseasonably mild weather, coupled with the damp air means that ticks are currently causing a real issue on the daily walks and days out shooting.
Working dogs are inherently more at risk of being exposed to a tick bite due to the terrain we train and work them over. Heather, woodland, bracken and coarse grassland are all home to ticks. And unfortunately, they are more than willing to use our trusty canine companions as a host.
Lyme disease in dogs
The fact is that ticks are more than a mere nuisance. They can carry nasty tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease and our dogs can suffer from these just as we can.
While humans are taught to look for a bullseye rash on their skin as the first indication of Lyme disease, for dogs it is much trickier. Symptoms they can develop, such as fever, limping or lethargy are not pathognomonic. They can also start months after the tick has bitten your dog.
Lyme disease can also affect kidneys, which can lead to vomiting, lethargy, lack of appetite and weight loss. This form of the disease is less common but often fatal. If you think your dog has Lyme disease, ask your vet to carry out the relevant tests. Once diagnosed, they can be treated with antibiotics.
Babesiosis symptoms
Other tick-borne diseases, such as babesiosis which is prevalent in some European countries, have also been observed in the UK. Small pockets of infected tick populations are found around the country. This disease is caused by a tiny parasite that can infect the red blood cells of dogs with the majority becoming acutely ill.
Symptoms include very pale gums, dark urine and even collapse from severe anaemia. Babesiosis generally responds well to treatment if caught early, but it can be life threatening if treatment is delayed.
How can you prevent tick-born diseases?
In terms of tick-borne diseases, prevention is key. Recent studies have shown that ticks only release saliva (the vector for the diseases) when latched on for about 24 hours. This means that if we remove the tick during this time frame, we have a good chance of preventing infection.
There are several products which aim to kill ticks within this critical 24-hour window but can also repel them, stopping them latching on in the first place. In addition there is also a vaccine that can protect dogs against Lyme disease, so speak to your vet about treatment options most suitable for your dog.
Ensure that you do a thorough search thorough search of your dog’s fur after returning home from any outdoor activity. Pay special attention to their face, ears, chest and legs. If you do find a tick, use a specialist tick removal tool to pull it out safely before disposing of it.
If you are taking your dog abroad, have a chat with your vet about what canine diseases are common in the country you’re travelling to (including tick-borne diseases, such as babesiosis) and what steps you can take to avoid them.
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