Wiesbaden. When the temperatures rise, unpopular pests also awaken from their winter torpor: ticks. If the heat lasts longer during the day, from seven to ten degrees, Holzbock and Co. become active again – and the risk of infection increases. The arachnids can transmit dangerous pathogens such as Lyme disease or babesiosis not only to humans but also to animals.
Check dogs thoroughly after a walk
“Control is the most effective protection for pets,” explains Karin Witthohn, board member at ZZF – Central Association of the Pet Industry. “If you check your four-legged friend thoroughly after spending time outdoors, you will often discover stuck ticks early on and can significantly reduce the risk of disease transmission.”
From her experience as a pet carer, Witthohn knows that the parasites in dogs prefer to settle in the armpits, ears, neck, between the toes and in the groin region. If ticks are discovered on an animal, they should be removed immediately. Tick tweezers or hooks are suitable for this. The tick is grabbed as close to the skin as possible and pulled out evenly – without squeezing the body.
Avoid risk areas while on the move
When walking the dog, areas with tall grass, dense undergrowth, overgrown roadsides and leafy and bush areas should be avoided as much as possible. “Stay on paths, keep dogs in these areas for a short time and do not play search or fetch in the edge vegetation: This reduces the likelihood of ticks attaching themselves to the animal,” explains Witthohn.
Health risk also for cats
Cats are much less likely to become ill from tick-borne pathogens. They remove many ticks themselves through intensive fur cleaning. However, parasites can bite and transmit diseases such as anaplasmosis or hemoplasmosis.
Tick repellent as a precaution
Not just checking for ticks, but also tick prevention tailored to the animal is particularly important. Depending on the animal, living environment and activity, suitable preparations are available to protect against ticks. These include spot-ons and special collars. The following applies strictly to cats: Do not use permethrin-containing preparations formulated for dogs, as they can be life-threatening for cats. The ZZF recommends using tick protection for dogs and cats all year round, as the parasites are now also active in colder months due to milder winters.
“Well-chosen precautionary measures effectively prevent infections. Those who seek advice early on protect the individual animal – and reduce the spread of pathogens in the environment,” emphasizes Witthohn.
The pet retailer has a wide selection of tested products and supports you in making the right choice and application. After a tick bite, owners should watch their pets for signs such as fever, fatigue or loss of appetite and, if in doubt, seek veterinary advice.
Central Association of Zoological Specialist Companies (ZZF)
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