As the weather warms and we spend more time outdoors with our beloved furry companions, there's a silent, tiny threat lurking in the grass and shrubs: ticks. This month, Viking has received nearly double the calls for ticks compared to May 2024. These minuscule arachnids might seem insignificant, but they pose a serious danger to your pets and family, transmitting a host of diseases that can range from uncomfortable to life-threatening.
Here at Viking Pest Control, we believe that an informed pet owner is a protected pet owner. Let's delve into why ticks are such a concern for your pets and what you can do to keep them safe.
Why is Tick Prevention for Pets Necessary?
Ticks aren't just gross; they're vectors for a variety of debilitating illnesses. When a tick bites your pet, it can transmit bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens directly into their bloodstream. Some of the most common and concerning tick-borne diseases in pets include:
- Lyme Disease: Caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, Lyme disease can lead to lameness, joint pain, fever, and loss of appetite in dogs. While less common, cats can also be affected.
- Anaplasmosis: This bacterial disease can cause fever, lethargy, joint pain, and a decrease in blood platelet count, potentially leading to bleeding disorders.
- Ehrlichiosis: Another bacterial infection, ehrlichiosis can manifest with symptoms like fever, lethargy, weight loss, nosebleeds, and neurological issues.
- Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever: While more prevalent in certain regions, this serious bacterial infection can cause fever, joint pain, swelling, and neurological signs.
- Babesiosis: A parasitic disease that affects red blood cells, leading to anemia, lethargy, and pale gums.
The scary part? Symptoms of these diseases can sometimes take weeks or even months to appear, making diagnosis and treatment more challenging.
Your Best Defense: Prevention and Vigilance
Protecting your pets from ticks requires a multi-pronged approach:
- Regular Tick Checks: Make it a habit to thoroughly check your pet for ticks after every outdoor excursion, especially if you've been in wooded or grassy areas. Pay close attention to warm, hidden spots like behind the ears, in the armpits, between the toes, and around the tail.
- Proper Tick Removal: If you find a tick, remove it promptly and correctly. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Avoid twisting or jerking.
- Veterinarian-Recommended Preventatives: Consult your veterinarian about the best tick prevention products for your pet. Options include topical treatments, oral medications, and tick collars. Your vet can recommend a solution tailored to your pet's lifestyle and risk factors.
- Maintain Your Yard: Ticks thrive in tall grass, leaf litter, and overgrown vegetation. Keeping your lawn mowed, raking leaves, and clearing brush can significantly reduce tick habitats around your home.
- Professional Pest Control: For comprehensive tick control for pets, especially if you live in a high-risk area, consider Viking Pest Control's professional tick treatments. Our experts can identify tick hotspots on your property and implement targeted solutions to reduce their population, creating a safer environment for your pets and family.
Don't let these tiny terrors compromise your pet's health and happiness. By being proactive with your tick prevention for pets and partnering with professionals like Viking Pest Control, you can ensure your beloved companions can enjoy the outdoors safely and tick-free. Contact us today for a free estimate, and let's keep your pets protected!