Tick-related diseases a threat to dogs, cats, humans alike
Q: Our family just moved from Oregon, and I’ve found ticks on my dogs and cat. We didn’t have ticks in Oregon, and we haven’t found a vet here yet. Please help. W.S., Farragut
A: Welcome to East Tennessee. We certainly do have ticks here, and sadly, they can be found almost all year long. Ticks thrive in our warm, humid climate.
Ticks are not only a nuisance, they are concerning for our pets, as they can cause serious disease.
These parasites can carry Lymes Disease, Rocky Mountain Fever and lesser-know diseases, such as Ehrlichia,
Hemobartonella and Tularemia. There is also the concern that pets can carry ticks inside the house to their human family, and that you can become infected with a tick-borne disease, which is much easier to prevent than treat. Tick prevention should be used on pets year-round in this part of the country.
For dogs, we have chewable parasite prevention that can be given once monthly or every three months. There are also topical products applied monthly; these work best in dogs that do not swim or get bathed often.
For cats, most parasite prevention is topical, as it can be difficult to give pills to cats.
In general, cats are more sensitive than dogs to chemicals and medications. What is safe for your dog may not be safe for your cat. Some of the over-the-counter flea and tick products have caused serious side effects, so please be careful and always read the labeling before use.
Some products have minimum age recommendations for safe use in puppies and kittens. Certain medical conditions may necessitate the use or avoidance of certain products. After learning about your pet’s lifestyle and medical background, your veterinarian will guide you and make recommendations.
If you have questions about your pet, e-mail Dr. Myers at lenoircityac@gmail.com
