Ticks have increased in number over the past few years
Health officials spread warning about ticks and cautioned people to be really careful with the tiny eight-legged bugs which are so hungry for blood. They can be dangerous for both humans and dogs, and we should try to avoid their bites.
Recently, it appears that ticks are becoming a hazard. Over the last two or three years, they have become stronger to weather conditions and are now living all year round. Veterinarians claimed to have seen more ticks on dogs during this period than they had ever seen in their entire career. This should work as a warning and make us more careful when we go out.
One possible reason for the increasing number of ticks could be climate change. As the overall temperatures became higher, ticks were now able to survive the entire year. Also, the urban expanse might contribute to the massive spread of ticks.
Ticks transmit Lyme disease
These bugs are dangerous because they carry diseases. Some of those which can be transmitted through a tick bite include anaplasmosis, tularemia, relapsing fever, or Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. However, the one people should be most careful about is Lyme disease. This is a dangerous illness, but it can be treated in the early stages with antibiotics.
If it remains untreated, patients may experience severe joint swelling and arthritic pain, present mostly in the knees. Also, they might struggle with neurological problems which can last for a few months or even years. Many cases of Lyme disease are confirmed every year, and there are still a lot which remain undetected and might have terrible consequences for the patients.
How to avoid and deal with tick bites
All dog owners are advised to check their furry companions after going out for walks. They should choose clear paths away from the grass, to prevent the ticks from grabbing onto fur or clothes. It takes about 24 hours for Lyme disease to be transmitted from the tick to the dog or human.
Before feeding, a tick is the size of a toothpick head. Then, it bites onto the skin and it starts feeding. The more blood it feeds on, the more it starts growing up to the size of a pencil eraser. Don’t forget to always check yourself and your dog for ticks, use medication to prevent their bites, and go to a doctor immediately after you spot the insect somewhere on your body.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
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