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How to remove a Tick
Apply a piece of cotton soaked in alcohol to the tick. This will loosen the tick and allow easy detachment from your pet. There are also specialized tick removers for sale that is simple to use.
DO NOT BURN THE TICK OFF OF YOUR PET!
Preventing tick infestation of your pet is also very important. DO NOT USE any human insect repellents on your pet. These are lethal to pets and cause convulsions and death. We recommend the use of the following:
For Dogs
For dogs, use the PREVENTIC COLLAR (amitraz) in combination with Frontline (fipronil) Spray. The initial dose of Frontline for tick prevention is two sprays per pound of body weight. According to the manufacturer, once the spray has been applied, it may be possible to follow up with Frontline Spot-on, a topical product applied monthly and placed between the animal's shoulders, or, you may continue to use the spray. Frontline Spot-on can be used from the outset if you prefer, and must be reapplied every 2 months to maintain protection.
Revolution is another product that has tick approval for certain ticks. It is not approved for preventing the deer tick as of this date.
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For Cats
For cats, do not use the preventic collar as it is toxic. We recommend only the use of the Frontline Spray, two sprays per pound initially, then using Frontline Top Spot or continuing with the spray.
Revolution is also available for cats
DO NOT USE PERMETHRIN PRODUCTS ON CATS –This product may cause seizures.
Diseases transmitted by ticks include:
Lyme Disease - The deer tick transmits Lyme disease. Clinical signs include fever, joint pain, and may also cause heart and kidney disease. Diagnosis is by blood test. More on Lyme disease.
Treatment is effective if diagnosed early with the use of doxycycline.
Ehrlichiosis -This is a potentially contagious disease to people as well as pets. The brown dog tick is the vector. Clinical signs may vary. They include bleeding disorders, due to a loss of platelets caused by the ehrlichia rickettsia. Other signs may develop such as an enlarged spleen, difficulty breathing, weight loss, and neurological signs. Diagnosis is by blood test. Treatment is with doxycycline. Ehrlichiosis update.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever - the American dog tick transmits this disease. Clinical signs include neurological signs, fever, swelling of the face and limbs, and pneumonia. Bleeding disorders may also be seen. RMSF-details
Diagnosis is with blood tests.
Treatment –doxycycline is very effective.
Babesiosis - Tick transmitted. Clinical signs include anemia, weakness, and blood in the urine, enlarged spleen. It appears to be a very common disease of racing dogs. Diagnosis is by blood test and identifying the organism on blood smears. Description of Babesiosis.
Treatment- Imidocarb diproprionate , diminazene aceturate, and phenamidine isethionate have been effective in treatment of the disease.
With thanks to Dr D. Tayman, of the Columbia Animal Hospital. For further information visit www.petshealth.com
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