Archive for the ‘Fleas and Ticks’ Category

It’s a common occurrence…pet owners expressing feelings of frustration, helplessness and even despair from a single symptom.  Their pets itch and scratch, itch and scratch – and it is not a flea problem!  Although this may not seem like a big deal, these owners suffer through sleepless nights as their pets scratch and chew and lick, all in an attempt to get some needed relief.  If it’s not fleas…what can this common problem be?

Seeing a beloved pet scratch often leads many owners think their pets have fleas.  When trips to the veterinarian and doses of flea products fail to resolve the itchiness, it is time to think about environmental allergies, or ATOPY.

Just like people, our pets can suffer from allergies and sensitivities to particles in the air.  Many times, pollen, certain grasses and trees or even dust mites can trigger this reaction in pets.

Unlike people though, our pets rarely sneeze and show signs similar to “hay fever”.  Instead, our pets are itchy and they will do anything to relieve that sensation.  Some pets scratch constantly, others lick and chew at certain spots, like their feet and still others might rub against carpets and furniture.  This behavior, and the consistent noises and thumps produced, is often too much for many pet owners.  Sadly, some pets are relinquished to shelters or rescues due to a condition that is actually manageable.

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Along with the arrival of warm weather, Mother Nature annually re-introduces large populations of bugs.  Spring is an active period for many pests, including the pesky blood-sucking tick.

Ticks are the carrier for Lyme Borreliosis, more commonly known as Lyme disease. This illness, transmitted by tick-borne bacteria, affects dogs, horses and humans.  Recent reports reflect an increase of human-diagnosed Lyme disease in certain areas of North America.

Are Lyme Disease numbers for dogs on the rise as well?

Lyme disease is named after the town of Lyme, Connecticut where it was reported in epidemic proportions in the mid-1970s.  This disease has been diagnosed in people since 1975 and dogs since 1984.  Although the disease is more prevalent in Lyme vectors along the Eastern coastline, it has been diagnosed in all 50 states.

Certain tick species transmit the bacteria that cause Lyme disease.  The most common species in North America are the black-legged (deer) tick and the western black-legged tick.

Lyme disease affects animals differently, with some showing no signs of being affected.  Others manifest symptoms like: lethargy, joint pain, limping, lymph node swelling and fever.  Lyme disease symptoms typically do not show up in dogs until 2-5 months after infection.

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