Threatening all year round, embedded fully ticks on dogs entered a phase of more intense activity at the start of spring. They can transmit deadly diseases to pets, especially dogs and cats. Ticks also carry Lyme disease, which is dangerous for humans.
For 10 days, the number of cases of piroplasmosis in dogs has increased sharply and has exceeded our alert threshold. Proof is therefore made that ticks have entered the activity phase and are watching dogs and cats in search of their blood meals.
Tick season
In the past, when our seasons were more marked and the differences in temperature more marked, it was customary to say that spring and autumn were the two seasons conducive to ticks. For almost 15 years, this reflection is no longer so true. We observe the presence of ticks on animals consulted urgently throughout the year. There are still peaks of invasions in the first part of autumn and spring, but the insect is now active 365 days a year. This implies that you must protect your companions throughout the year.
Ticks present in San Diego
The different species of French ticks are not all present in San Diego. The most common type is Ixodes Ricinus, effective throughout the region. More occasionally, Dermacentor reticulatus can be found in certain areas of the Toulouse region. Its expansion zone is mainly the Massif Central and the north of state, but the climate can be pleasant for it.
Remember that travel is also an opportunity to contract other species of ticks and that each of them can transmit certain blood diseases. You can get them rid of with the help of a tick remover for cats.
What are the health risks for your pet?
The bite, or sting, of a tick is not dangerous in itself. When the parasite attaches to your pet’s skin, it inserts its mouthpart into the epidermis, causing a mild inflammatory reaction. To be able to take advantage of non-coagulated blood over several hours, the tick uses saliva containing an anticoagulant to create a blood lake. It is precisely at this time that certain diseases can be transmitted to your companion.
Bacteria, protozoa and others find refuge in the salivary glands of ticks and are inoculated into the bloodstream of your companion during the bite. Among the most common diseases, dogs are exposed to piroplasmosis, Lyme disease or canine ehrlichiosis. Cats are less affected but can also develop a form of ehrlichiosis. These diseases are often fatal without medical care, and often result in high fever.
Our advice to protect your pet
The most widespread protective measures are external parasiticides, in the form of a collar, spray and pipettes. These insecticides have a lethal and repellent effect on ticks.
Some laboratories promise results with natural and phytotherapeutic products, but the results are variable, and also depend on the tick pressure in your area. On the other hand, an effective measure is the daily combing of your animal, with manual elimination of the parasites fixed or not. For this, fine combs and hooks make your job easier. This method is restrictive and time-consuming, but it is 100% natural.
Do not forget that in case of fever of undetermined origin, you must quickly consult the veterinarian.
