Here is what you should know about tick-borne diseases.
Even though ticks appear like small insects, they are considered to be arachnids, such as mites and spiders. Ticks are often on people’s minds during summer, but they are known to be active all year. Unfortunately, ticks can carry serious diseases that impact humans and pets. Here is what you should know about tick-borne diseases in Monkton, MD.
Lyme Disease
Did you know that Lyme disease is the most prevalent tick-borne disease in Maryland and the United States? It is transmitted by a bite from an infected blacklegged tick known as the deer tick. This tick is primarily found in forests, but can be found anywhere their host, white-tailed deer, is present. This includes local areas and even your own backyard. The nymphal and larval ticks are most active during the summer and adults are most active during the fall. However, these ticks only go dormant in temperatures below 35 degrees. This means that these disease-spreading ticks can be found in our area year-round.
Lyme disease can be difficult to pinpoint with nondescriptive symptoms. Dogs can show multiple symptoms of Lyme disease, such as:
- Lameness sometimes shifting between limbs
- Joint swelling
- Fatigue
- Appetite loss
- Swollen lymph nodes
Your veterinarian will observe your pet to confirm clinical signs of Lyme disease. If clinical signs correspond to Lyme disease, your vet will order a blood test that tests for the presence of antibodies to the bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi that causes Lyme disease.
Ehrlichiosis
Ehrlichiosis is another tick-borne disease carried most often by the brown dog tick. This tick is mainly found in woodlands with thick undergrowth and around animal resting areas, but can be found in leaf litter in your yard or parks. Signs of ehrlichiosis can be as mild lethargy and progress to weight loss and bleeding disorders. Brown dog ticks are one of the only ticks that can perform their entire life cycle indoors, meaning they can survive throughout colder weather and, therefore, can be active all year. Additionally, dogs are the preferred host of brown dog ticks, meaning they are seeking your canine companion year-round for a meal.
Anaplasmosis
Anaplasmosis is yet another tick-borne disease often seen in our area. It is spread by the same tick that transmits Lyme disease, the blacklegged tick. Many dogs with anaplasmosis go completely asymptomatic, but can develop symptoms such as fever, lethargy, and bruising, or bleeding.
The best way to protect your pooch from these tick-borne diseases is to keep them on flea and tick prevention all year. This will help minimize the likelihood that a tick will be able to transmit disease to your pet. A vaccine against Lyme disease is also available and strongly recommended for dogs in our area. Annual screening is also important to catch any underlying infection in an asymptomatic dog. This will allow for early intervention before your dog becomes sick from disease.
HERE AT MOUNT CARMEL ANIMAL HOSPITAL, WE’LL TREAT YOUR PETS LIKE FAMILY!
Mount Carmel Animal Hospital has been serving the Northern Baltimore/Southern York community for over 30 years and is proud to be an independently operated, small animal practice committed to excellence in veterinary medicine and client service. From grooming to wellness services, along with Canine Life Skills Training Courses, and surgical procedures, we have the expertise that will best serve the needs of you and your pet. Contact us at 410-343-0200 and follow us on Facebook!