Attention: ticks

Advice from a veterinarian on how to protect animals from ticks

Spring. The first bright rays of the sun and a warm breeze give each of us a good mood. But at the same time, this period creates comfortable conditions for the activity of ticks.

We not only want to remind pet owners to be careful during this dangerous period. And also to call on caring people who love tails to help homeless animals save their lives. According to statistics, a large percentage of street dogs die due to piroplasmosis. This is one of the diseases carried by ticks. The infection does not occur at the moment of the bite, but after several hours, and if you do not react in time, it will be fatal.

How to help homeless animals? The method of treatment of street animals is the same as that of domestic pets. There are specialized means for repelling ticks, these are sprays, drops, shampoos, aerosols, powders and tablets. For example, you can put drops on the withers of animal. If the animals behave aloof, then you can add special tablets to the food (Simparika, NexGard, Bravecto).

IMPORTANT In no case do not treat the fur of a four-legged dog with products intended for humans. Such drugs are toxic for them, because they differ in the content of active substances, concentration and dosage.

SYMPTOMS AFTER THE BITE: • a sharp increase in body temperature to high levels; • loss of appetite; • disorders of the gastrointestinal tract; • darkening of urine or the presence of blood in it; • yellowing of the whites of the eyes; • shortness of breath; • lethargy; • apathy; • weakness in the limbs.

If you notice one of these symptoms, then there is a high probability that a parasite has attached itself to animal. The tick sucks on its victim, releasing a specific secretion with an anesthetic effect, due to which there are no changes in the animal's behavior during the bite. If possible, examine the tail's body, paying special attention to tender places (groin, belly, withers, ears). Be sure to do such an examination in disposable gloves.

If you find a tick, use special tick tweezers to remove it or ask your veterinarian to help you. *The recommendations have been agreed with veterinarian Anastasia Bartysh and are suitable for street and domestic animals. Remember that constant prevention will save their lives!