Ticks are becoming more and more prevalent in North America – but especially in Bedford (Shore Drive, Admiral’s Cove), Rocky Lake area, Eaglewood & Ridgevale in Bedford – and in many parts of Nova Scotia in general. It is our understanding that Lunenburg county not only has seen Lyme disease positive ticks, but ticks carrying Erlichiosis as well! And, while this disease is treatable in your dog – it is NOT daily treated in people. In keeping with Sunnyview Animal Care’s family approach to veterinary care, we recommend all our clients increase their awareness of those diseases/disorders that are carried by ticks, and ensure you firmly enquire on your personal health concerns with your family physician if you have any suspicion of contacting/being bitten by a tick in the HRM, or Nova Scotia in general.
And they’re now being found in areas where people and pets didn’t previously encounter ticks. These parasites aren’t just a nuisance; they can cause serious—and sometimes deadly—diseases, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, and tick paralysis.
Keep ticks off your pet by keeping your dog or cat on a tick preventive – we generally recommend Advantix or Revolution for this purpose. Flea & tick collars just DO NOT WORK. Even indoor-only pets an you are at risk because ticks can hitch a ride inside on your clothing or shoes. Tick preventives are safe and effective at controlling ticks and the diseases they carry. Call us to get your pet protected today!
Don’t panic if you find a tick on your dog or cat, even if your pet is on a preventive. Some preventives kill ticks after they’ve come in contact with your pet. Ticks can hide under your pet’s fur, so as an added measure of protection, we recommend checking your pet for ticks every time your pet comes in from outside. And don’t hesitate to ask us any questions you might have – HOWEVER, if you decide to remove a tick from your pet – please use a proper tick remover (such as a ‘Tick Twister’) and WEAR GLOVES yourself – it only takes incidental contact with a tick & if its carapace (shell) is compromised or broken – you can contract the above parasites yourself. Its worth the time to find latex/barrier gloves!
If you feel that your pet or your family require a greater level of Lyme disease prevention – we can discuss the pros & Cons of Lyme Vaccination – please call or email us for a consultation today!
Contact us immediately if your pet starts coughing or has joint pain, trouble breathing, fever, weakness, or loss of appetite, weight, energy, or coordination.