The tick is here - if you live in Vestfold, you are particularly at risk!
Tick season is in full swing – and here in Vestfold we are extra vulnerable. The wood tick (Ixodes ricinus) is a parasite that sucks the blood of birds and mammals. It can potentially transmit viruses or bacteria and cause illness in both pets and humans.
Table of contents
How to protect a dog or cat from ticks?
More and more products have gradually appeared on the market to protect animals. There are collars, spot-on solutions and tablets. These products have different active ingredients and mechanisms. Collars and most spot-on solutions have in common that they have a repellent effect. This means that insects will not attach. The tablets only have an effect when the tick comes into contact with the dog's body fluid - then it dies. It is also possible to use a combination of several preparations for optimal protection. The preparations have different durations. Consult us - and we will find a solution that is suitable for you and your animal.
Local reactions – symptom of Lyme disease?
It is known in humans that a rash around the bite site (erythema migrans) is a symptom of Lyme disease.
Dogs, on the other hand, do not get the characteristic red ring on their skin when infected. Many still get local reactions when bitten – but this has nothing to do with the Borrelia bacteria. When it sucks blood, it also injects anticoagulants to prevent the blood from clotting. It also injects a kind of “cement” to stick extra well to the vector. This is often the reason why dogs get swelling and redness at the bite site. If there is a small amount of it left, this is not dangerous – it will come out on its own! Use wound ointments or common products for wound treatment (e.g. chlorhexidine) if the bite site has become slightly inflamed.
Diseases that can be transmitted by bites
Borrelia, Anaplasma and TBE virus (Tick borne encephalitis virus) are examples of bacteria and viruses that ticks in Norway can transmit. Lyme disease is very uncommon in cats – but dogs are more susceptible. It takes 24 hours for Borrelia bacteria to be transmitted. It is therefore important to remove it as quickly as possible if you discover it on your pet. You can read more here.
Contagion from animals to humans?
None of the diseases mentioned are transmitted directly from animals to humans. However, remember that your animal may bring ticks with it – and these can easily attach to you or other family members! Several preparations are available if you want to avoid this – contact your veterinarian.
Vaccine
A vaccine has been developed against Lyme disease. This is an annual vaccine – and we would like to emphasize that the vaccine only protects against the disease. There is no vaccine against Anaplasmosis or TBE for dogs and cats.
How to remove ticks
You can remove it from a dog using a tick remover, which is a safe and effective method. Here are the steps you should follow:
- Prepare yourself and your dog: Find a quiet place where the dog can feel comfortable. It can be helpful to have another person present to keep the dog calm and quiet.
- Wear gloves if you have them: To protect yourself, it is a good idea to wear gloves. This prevents direct contact and possible infectious agents.
- Locate: Locate the tick on your dog's body. They can often be found around the head, ears, neck, and between the toes – but they can attach anywhere on the body.
- Location: Place the tick remover around – from the side of the tick – as close to the dog's skin as possible.
- Removal: Gently twist or lift the tick remover – depending on the type of tool you are using. Some work by gently twisting – as illustrated in the pictures – while others squeeze and pull it straight out. It is important to be careful not to squeeze or crush the tick – as this can increase the risk of transmitting infectious agents.
- Inspect the bite site: After the tick is removed, inspect the area where it was attached. It should be clean and free of residue.
- Disinfect and monitor: Disinfect the bite site on your dog and the tick remover. Monitor the bite site for signs of infection or irritation over the following days.
- Discard or save: If you are concerned that a disease may have been transmitted, you may want to store it in a sealed bag or container for possible testing. Otherwise, dispose of it properly.
- Wash your hands: Even if you used gloves, it is a good practice to wash your hands thoroughly after the procedure.
If you are unsure how to use the tick remover or if your dog shows signs of illness after a bite, contact your veterinarian for advice and treatment – or call us on 33 13 98 40.
