Ticks are potentially dangerous parasites commonly found throughout North America. Contrary to popular belief, ticks do not jump onto hosts or drop out of trees. Instead, they climb onto grass, bushes, or other low-lying vegetation and wait for an animal or person to brush against them. Ticks obtain all their nourishment from the blood of their hosts, which commonly include dogs. They suck blood through mouth parts that they “cement” into their host’s skin when they bite. Tick bites are usually painless. After the tick attaches to a host, which could be a person or a pet, any infection that it potentially could be carrying may be transmitted via its saliva as it feeds on the host. Diseases that ticks can transmit include the following:
is associated with a wide range of chronic problems throughout the body. Lameness is one of the most common signs in dogs with the disease.
can cause major organ failure and death. As its name suggests, one of the most common signs is fever as well as bleeding.
Although once considered rare, ehrlichiosis is becoming an increasing concern in the United States. The disease causes a decrease in platelet counts in the blood and subsequent bleeding problems.
|
1 |
EggsFemale lays eggs off host. Eggs hatch to larvae. |
|
2 |
Biting LarvaeLarvae feed on dogs or small mammals. Larvae leave host and molt into nymphs. |
|
3 |
Biting NymphsNymphs feed on dogs or small mammals. Nymphs can transmit disease-causing organisms as they feed. |
|
4 |
Biting AdultsAdult ticks feed and mate on the host. Adults can transmit disease-causing organisms as they feed. |
and treatment of some tick-borne diseases can be both complicated and costly. While treatment is available for some, it may not be for others, so repelling ticks to help prevent attachment is an important way to minimize your dog’s risk of getting bitten by these disease-spreading pests. Talk to your veterinarian about which products can best repel and kill ticks on your dog.
While treatment for these diseases is available, preventing ticks from attaching by repelling them is important to help minimize the transmission of disease-causing organisms. Talk with your veterinarian about which product can both repel and kill ticks.
You can help prevent the threat of ticks by using a monthly topical product like K9 Advantix®:
|
* |
Repels and kills Deer ticks, American dog ticks, Brown dog ticks, and Lone Star ticks before they can attach and possibly transmit the organisms that cause disease. |
|
* |
Provides protection for your dog against ticks that carry diseases. |
|
* |
Is gentle enough for puppies as young as seven weeks of age. |
|
* |
Is waterproof, so it maintains effectiveness even after swimming or bathing. |
