Understanding Ticks & Snakes: The Risks and Prevention

What Are Ticks?

Ticks are small parasites that latch onto your pet’s skin to feed on their blood. They can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis. In our area, paralysis ticks are a significant concern. They cause paralysis that often starts in the back legs and progresses to affect the front legs, breathing muscles (diaphragm), and throat muscles. This can have sudden and severe consequences for pets, and even with prompt treatment, it can be deadly.

Seasonal Patterns of Tick Activity:

Ticks are most active in warmer months, typically from spring through autumn. However, they can be a year-round concern, particularly in warm, damp conditions like those we've experienced recently. These conditions are ideal for tick activity and can lead to ticks spreading into areas where they may not have been before. It's essential to remain vigilant even when tick activity seems to be low.

Ticks can be found anywhere outdoors, including suburban gardens. They can even be carried into homes on clothes and shoes, adding another layer of risk.

How to Protect Your Pet from Ticks:

Use Tick Preventatives

Bravecto Quantum: A top recommendation for dogs, Bravecto Quantum offers long-lasting protection against ticks with just one injection. It provides up to 12 months of protection, helping to keep ticks at bay throughout the tick season and beyond. Note that Bravecto Quantum is for dogs only and not suitable for cats.

Other Options:

Simparica: Effective in killing fleas and ticks with a monthly chew.

Nexgard: Monthly chewable that targets fleas and ticks.

Felpreva: Specifically designed for cats to protect against fleas and ticks.

Consult your vet about the best tick prevention products for your pet, as there are options available for both dogs and cats.

Regular Check-ups:

After outdoor activities, thoroughly check your pet’s fur and skin for ticks. Pay close attention to areas like the ears, underarms, and between the toes.

Maintain Your Yard:

Keep your yard well-maintained by regularly mowing the lawn and clearing out tall grasses and brush where ticks thrive.

Avoid Tick-Prone Areas:

When possible, avoid walking your pet in tall grasses or wooded areas. Stick to paved paths or areas that are regularly treated for ticks.

Groom Regularly:

Regular grooming helps to spot ticks early and remove them before they can attach.

Understanding Snakes: The Risks and Prevention

The Danger of Snakebites:

Snakebites can be life-threatening for pets, particularly if they involve venomous snakes. Snakes are more active in warmer months and can be encountered in gardens, parks, or other outdoor areas. Symptoms of a snakebite may include sudden swelling, difficulty breathing, and lethargy.

How to Protect Your Pet from Snakes:

Avoid Snake-Prone Areas: Be cautious when walking your pet in areas where snakes are known to be active, such as tall grass, bushland, or near water sources.

Keep Your Yard Safe: Clear away any debris, tall grass, or undergrowth in your garden to minimize hiding spots for snakes. Installing snake-proof fencing can also help.

Educate Yourself: Learn about the types of venomous snakes in your area and their behavior patterns. Knowing what to look out for can help you avoid dangerous encounters.

First Aid Awareness: If you suspect your pet has been bitten by a snake, seek immediate veterinary assistance. Do not attempt to treat the bite yourself.

What to Do If You Suspect a Tick or Snake Issue:

For Ticks:

If you find a tick on your pet, remove it promptly using fine-tipped tweezers or tick pullers. Clean the area with antiseptic and monitor your pet for any signs of illness. Even if a tick has been removed, pets can continue to decline for up to 3 days after attachment. Consult your vet, as treatment with tick anti-serum (different from preventatives) is more effective when given sooner.

Perform a thorough tick search even if you find and remove one tick, to ensure there are no more present. Remember, most parasite preventatives will take up to 3 days to kill ticks, and no product is 100% effective.

For Snakebites:

If you suspect a snakebite, keep your pet calm and as still as possible to slow the spread of venom. Avoid cutting or sucking the wound and seek emergency veterinary care immediately.

Conclusion

By understanding the risks associated with ticks and snakes and taking proactive measures to protect your pet, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of health issues related to these dangers. Regular vet check-ups, effective preventive measures like Bravecto Quantum, and swift action in emergencies are key to ensuring your pet’s safety and well-being.

For more information or if you have any concerns about ticks or snake safety, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Highfields Vet Surgery. We’re here to help you keep your pets healthy and happy all year round.