If you have walked through Rondeau or any other parks in the area you may have already noticed that tick season is upon us. Checking your dog and yourself after each walk is very important to keep everyone safe from diseases such as Lyme disease.
Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi, which is spread through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks.
Scary ins’t i? Yes, but remember that infected blacklegged ticks need to be attached for at least 24 hours in order to transmit the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.
Dogs can display several forms of Lyme disease, but the most common symptoms are lameness, swollen lymph nodes, joint swelling, fatigue, and loss of appetite. In addition, serious kidney complications have been associated with Lyme disease in dogs.
To remove a tick that is embedded in the skin, grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible, using tweezers if available. Pull upward with a steady, continuous motion. To ensure the whole tick is removed, try not to twist it or jerk it.
So stay safe, and remember to check every inch of skin after a walk. Pay special attention to your dog’s ears as ticks love to find a cozy place in and around the ears.
