Vet issues urgent warning to ALL dog owners over disease that spikes in spring & can spread to humans
AS SPRING arrives, dog owners are being urged to take extra care as ticks thrive in warmer weather.
These tiny, blood-sucking pests are becoming more active now and can lead to kidney failure in dogs and even affect humans.
A leading vet has issued an urgent warning about the dangers they pose to both dogs and humans, particularly during the spring and summer months.
Dr. Hannah Godfrey, a veterinary expert from Petsure, highlights the importance of being vigilant during outdoor walks.
Ticks are most active in the spring and summer, thriving in wooded and grassy areas.
While feeding on your pet, they can transmit serious diseases that affect their health and in some cases, yours too.
Dr. Godfrey explained that Lyme disease is one of the most common diseases ticks transmit in the UK, and it can lead to kidney failure in dogs if not treated early.
“Ticks bury their mouthparts deep into the skin of both animals and humans while they feed, then drop off once they’re full,” she said.
“When they finish feeding, they become dark grey or brown and are much larger in size.”
In addition to Lyme disease, ticks can also spread babesiosis, which damages red blood cells and can lead to severe anaemia or even organ failure.
The symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs include lethargy, weight loss, and a loss of appetite.
In some cases, symptoms may appear weeks or even months after the bite.
Common symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs:
- Limping or lameness (often shifting from one leg to another)
- Swollen or painful joints
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue or lethargy
- Stiffness or difficulty moving
- Lymph node swelling
- Sensitivity to touch or pain
- Increased heart rate
- Renal (kidney) issues (in severe cases)
More alarmingly, certain tick bites can cause paralysis in dogs, starting with a loss of coordination in their back legs and progressing to changes in breathing and even a loss of bark.
Dr. Godfrey urges all dog owners to check their pets for ticks after every walk, focusing on areas like the head, ears, belly, and armpits-common spots where ticks hide.
If you find a tick, carefully remove it with tweezers and dispose of it properly.
There are also various tick control products available, including collars, sprays, and spot-on treatments.
However, always consult your vet before using any tick control products, as treatments meant for cats can be harmful to dogs and vice versa.
Additionally, maintaining your garden is essential.
Ticks thrive in long grass, so trimming back vegetation in your garden can help reduce the risk of ticks attaching to your pets.