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California, MD – Although it is difficult to accurately predict the activity level of the tick population this year, the consensus seems to bring bad news to our four-legged friends. With a plethora of diseases and harmful effects on animals and humans, it is essential to recognize the importance of awareness of preventive measures to minimize the impact that these blood-sucking pests can have.
Anne Forrest, owner of the Wag N 'Wash franchise in San Souci Plaza and former owner of St. Mary's Veterinary Hospital, has been working with her husband for more than 30 years in veterinary care. She testified that customers entering their store all seem to have stories that match the predictions of ticks and severe fleas released this year.
"Ticks are bad this year," Forrest said. Center for Disease Control (CDC) predicts 2019 will be a severe tick season [and] our customers have reported strong tick populations since the beginning of the year.
It seems that every year, the community encounters more and more health problems caused by ticks. However, the list of diseases that can be spread by ticks is long and makes no distinction.
"Ticks carry many diseases in humans and dogs … The CDC lists 16 different diseases transmitted by ticks," explained Forrest. "We all know about Lyme disease, but they also transmit Ehrlichiosis and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever in our area … Tick-borne diseases are less common in cats, but [too] can contract Lyme disease, tularemia and paralysis of ticks. "
For those unfamiliar, ehrlichiosis is a bacterial disease that causes flu-like symptoms and may eventually cause kidney, respiratory or cardiac failure in more serious untreated cases. Likewise, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is a bacterial disease that can cause fevers, headaches, and rashes. It has been dubbed by the CDC as "one of the most deadly diseases transmitted by ticks in the Americas".
Preliminary figures seem to validate this difficult season, so it is essential that pet owners take appropriate preventive measures to ensure the safety of your animals and yourself.
"Dogs and cats that go outside should guard against fleas and ticks, both to protect the animal, but also to carry ticks into the house and pass them on to their human family Said Forrest. "We wear [over-the-counter] Seresto flea and tick necklaces, which last eight months, Frontline Plus monthly generic products and monthly Advantix II generic products, which are applied topically between the animal's shoulder blades. "
The CDC recommends that the best preventive measure is to check yourself regularly, as well as pets, for ticks, especially after spending time outdoors. In addition, you should avoid common habitats for ticks and if you locate a tick, you must remove it immediately.
Dr. Kirk Forrest is tentatively hosting a low-cost vaccination clinic in Wag N'Wash on the second Sunday of each month from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, with the goal of educating and relieving pet owners throughout this year. tick season.
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