As summer approaches and temperatures rise, tick activity will increase. They may be small, but ticks can cause a big problem for you and your pets. It is important to educate yourself on these pesky parasites and ensure your pets stay protected year-round.
What are Ticks?
Ticks are parasites that feed on the blood of their hosts, which are often times dogs and cats. These pests can transmit a number of fatal diseases to your pets if not treated. Here in North Texas, the Lone Star tick, black-legged tick, American dog tick, and brown dog tick are the most common species of tick.
Where Do Ticks Come From?
Tick-infested pets can easily transfer their ticks to any pets that come near them. Ticks often “hitchhike” into homes on other animals, on human clothing and shoes, and on infested bedding, furniture, and rugs. Ticks also live outdoors and can easily be transferred from yard to yard. North Texas provides a perfect environment for these parasites because these troublesome pests prefer warm and humid environments.
What are the Symptoms/Effects of Ticks?
If bitten, ticks can transmit a number of tick-borne diseases to your pet. These diseases include Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Babesiosis, Bartonellosis, and Hepatozoonosis. Several of these diseases can be fatal if left untreated. Symptoms of tick-borne disease can include vomiting, fever, swelling around the joints, lameness, and lethargy.
How do I Prevent Ticks?
TCAP offers two options for low-cost flea/tick prevention during our walk-in vaccine events! We also carry a wider variety of brands on our online pharmacy. If your pet has been to TCAP within the last 12 months, you can order through our online store and have your pet’s tick prevention shipped right to your home. If not, come visit us during our walk-in vaccine events to start your pet on this necessary prevention.
