Spring Fever is Here and the Ticks are predicted to be the worst here in Tennessee than they've been in years. Ticks carry a number of infectious agents. Larvae hatch from eggs within days and generally feed on small animals. After feeding for a number of days they will then leave the host and become an eight legged nymph, who will then find another host and feed until they are able to morph again into an adult tick. That is why ticks are considered three-host parasites. Ticks feed for 12-14 days in all three stages.
The brown dog tick is one of the most common ticks to be found on dogs. It looks like this...
Ticks are most easily removed from the skin with tweezers or tissue, but it is important to remove the entire tick including the head of the tick. If the head or mouth is left attached inflammation can occur.
Tips to Removing Ticks: Never Burn Them and the Use of Chemical Agents such as Alcohol Are Not Necessary
The best preventive methods for ticks are to see your vet before travelling to wooded areas and fields where tick may be more populated. Your vet can prescribe preventive flea / tick medication that will keep ticks at bay.
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| Photo Credit: Drs. Foster and Smith |
Unfortunately, Spring is also the time for allergies and your pet is just as susceptible to hay fever as you are. Signs of spring fever include itching ad scratching during ragweed season. Animal tests have demonstrated common areas for scratching can be more predominant in hairless areas such as arm pits, groin, and the toes.)
Foot and ankle chewing can be manic and can often be attributed to growing bacterial infections from saliva. Saliva can also stain these areas. It is common to see multiple signs on a single pet. The signs have also been known to worsen with age.
The vet can run allergy tests on your pet similar to the tests for human patients where tiny injections of possible allergens are made to test subject skin reactions. Therapy can include medicated baths, change of diet, and medications.
Sources Cited: Family Dog May / June 2015 issue
The Dog Encyclopedia
Drs. Foster and Smith Website
For more information on dog care check out the Golda's Grooming Website.
"We Care About Your Pets" 3629 Western Ave. Knoxville, TN 37931 Right off of I-40. Or
Schedule an Appointment for a Pet Grooming via email here:
Schedule an Appointment for a Pet Grooming via email here:
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