In the last couple of years, we have seen a SIGNIFICANT rise in the number of animals presenting with ticks attached to them.
- These are pets that live in Cheektowaga and the surrounding areas. Ticks are no longer confined to wooded rural areas!
- This spring, in a tick sweep in Niagara County, 80% of the ticks collected were POSITIVE for Lyme disease.
- We are highly recommending flea and tick control on all pets!
- Ticks can found anywhere on a dog or cats body but are most commonly found on/in the ears, on the face, in the armpits or the groin.
- An adult tick can ingest up to 100 times her weight in blood.
- Ticks are not only a nuisance but are capable of spreading serious diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Anaplasmosis, Ehrlichiosis, tick paralysis and others.
- The faster the tick is discovered and removed the less chance of disease transmission.
If you discover a tick on your pet, you can attempt removal or you can call the office for assistance. It is very important to remove the entire tick including the head which may be well attached to your pets skin. Grasp firmly with tweezers as close to the skin as possible. Gently but steadily pull the tick free. Try not to twist or crush the tick.
The best way to prevent ticks and tick transmitted diseases is to:
- Use quality, safe and reliable flea and tick control. Please call the office for recommendations based on your pets lifestyle. Please remember cats are NOT small dogs. Do NOT apply any dog flea and tick product to your cat!
- Discuss with your veterinarian whether your dog would benefit from Lyme vaccination.
- Check yourself and your pet for ticks once indoors.
- Keep lawns and shrubbery well maintained.
With common sense preventative measures, you and your pet can safely enjoy the warm Western New York seasons!