Tasso gives tips on dealing with the risk of ticks
Sulzbach/Ts. Attention tick risk! This warning applies very early again this year, because the small pests have long been on the road – and with them the danger to our dogs and cats, because ticks are often overwhelming serious dangerous illnesses. That is why the animal protection organization Tasso, which operates Europe's largest free pet register, gives animal owners tips for prevention and dealing with tick bites.
The most common type of tick in Germany is the common wooden stone, which is responsible for the transfer of the Borreliosis bacteria and TBE viruses. Due to the ever warmer climate, other ticks have been added in recent years. Among other things, the Auwald tick and the brown dog tick, which can transmit babesiosis (so -called dog painting).
The veterinarian Dr. In her practice, Anette Fach observes that the diseases that are transmitted by ticks increase as a whole. “In particular, the infection with babesiosis has increased significantly depending on the region. About 20 percent of the diseased dogs die here. Lyme disease is particularly often transmitted. Rarely, but quite possible, the infection with early summer meningoencephalitis is also TBE for short, ”says specialist.
Basically, the longer a tick sucks from the animal's blood, the higher the likelihood that dangerous pathogens will be transmitted. It is therefore important that the small arachnids are removed as early as possible – better still, they don't bite themselves.
Prevention tick bites specifically
It is important to know that ticks can be found almost everywhere in nature. It is therefore therefore necessary to examine the dog on ticks after a walk in the city park. If this strips through the high grass or through the forest, a thorough search is all the more important. Even cats who enjoy free access can bring ticks from any excursion and should urgently be searched thoroughly and everywhere.
From the veterinarian's perspective alone, searching alone is no longer sufficient: “Since the danger that tickets emanates as a transformer from the disease and when the animal is searched often occurs that ticks are overlooked, the targeted use of effective insecticids is now inevitable,” says the experienced veterinarian. It also recommends a year -round tick protection. Due to the variety of means, animal owners should definitely go to a veterinary practice and get individually advised in advance.
For dogs there is also the possibility of vaccination to protect against Lyme disease. “Vaccinations are very useful, but should also always be discussed individually for the individual dog,” adds subject.
What to do with tick bite?
Once a tick has bitten off, it can usually be easily removed from the animal of the animal using a tick pliers or a similar tool – and the right technology. Pet owners should grab the tick as close as possible and slowly pull out. If the head gets stuck, you should not be pressed or squeezed at the point in question. “As a rule, the body alone manages to shed off the tick head. However, if a redness and swelling occur, the animal should be better introduced to the vet, ”advises subject.