Summer is in full force, and for pets and their owners, that means tick season. Ticks are parasites that transmit serious diseases to dogs, cats and even humans.
They thrive in long grass and wild areas. This places dogs that walk on the mountain, in parks and open spaces, or roam in bushy areas at higher risk.
TEARS Animal Rescue recently saved a small dog that nearly died after tick bites led to severe illness.
Why tick prevention matters
If you can afford it, the best treatment is tick control medication from your vet. If not, approach your nearest animal welfare organisation, such as TEARS, for assistance in treating your pets to prevent tick-borne disease.
Some home remedies believed to repel ticks are harmful and ineffective. TEARS Animal Rescue spokesperson Tinka Shapiro says, “Please don’t try anything that could hurt your dog or cat. We have seen cases where petrol or motor oil has been used as tick prevention because owners believed it would work. It does not work, and it will only hurt your pet.”
How to check your pet for ticks
Tick control medication is essential. Daily checks are also important.
Inspect your pets and their bedding daily during spring and summer, when ticks are most active. Focus on:
• Ears
• Neck
• Underbelly
• Between the toes
Treat bedding and kennels with approved tick control products. Wash bedding weekly during warmer months.
Tick-borne diseases and symptoms
Ticks transmit several serious diseases. These include:
• Babesiosis, also known as biliary. Symptoms include fever, anaemia, jaundice and lethargy.
• Ehrlichiosis. Symptoms include fever, bleeding, weight loss and eye problems.
• Anaplasmosis. Symptoms include joint pain, fever and lethargy.
• Tick paralysis. Symptoms include weakness or paralysis.
• Haemobartonellosis. Symptoms include anaemia, lethargy in cats and pale gums.
Meisie’s story: A close call with ehrlichiosis
Meisie is a small dog who became severely ill with Ehrlichia, a tick-borne bacterial infection. She nearly died.
She was handed in to Hermanus Animal Welfare and later transferred to TEARS Animal Rescue after exposure to parvovirus, a contagious and potentially fatal viral disease affecting unvaccinated dogs.
Meisie became lethargic. Her abdomen swelled from fluid buildup, while the rest of her body remained skeletal. These were signs of Ehrlichia.
Shapiro explains, “Meisie’s liver was failing due to the fluid build-up in her abdomen. We did a blood test to diagnose the Ehrlichia and started treatment. There was a time we were not sure she would make it, but she did.”
Meisie was later fostered by a staff member and adopted last month. She now has a permanent home.
Act now to protect your pets
Take your pets to your nearest welfare organisation or to TEARS Animal Rescue for tick control treatment. You can also visit your vet for prevention and advice.
Tick season does not take a break. Your prevention routine should not either.
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