Ticked Off

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Created on Friday, 08 May 2015 17:33

Written by Tom Weineck

VERMONT - With warmer weather returning, ticks will also be returning from their natural habitats. As ticks start to return, so does the threat of Lyme Disease which can be transmitted to both people and animals through deer ticks.

 Health officials are cautioning people to use repellent and avoid areas where ticks usually are, such as tall grass and wooded areas. They also encourage you to use repellent to prevent the ticks from climbing on you.

Animals can also obtain Lyme Disease, as every 1 in 9 dogs in the Northeast Kingdom tests positive for the disease. If the tick is attached to their body for 24 hours, they can catch Lyme Disease. To prevent ticks from spreading the disease: make sure you check your furry friend does not have a tick on him.

“The number one thing you can do that does not cost you any money, is to tick check,” Veterinarian Technician Shannon Hudson said, “They are pretty small, but if you run your hands down your dog, you are definitely going to be able to feel an engorged tick.”

If your pet is showing lameness in the legs, loss of appetite, and sudden changes in normal behavior it is time to get your animal checked out. If you think your pet is infected, veterinarians recommend getting a blood test as soon as possible on your animal.