Lyme disease is a potentially serious condition in both humans and dogs. While, if diagnosed and treated early, Lyme may cause few problems, if left undiagnosed it can go on to have life-changing or life-limiting effects. Having friends who have been infected with Lyme I cannot over emphasise the importance of recognising the signs and getting a diagnosis and correct treatment – for more information visit the Global Lyme Alliance
Ticks live by sucking blood from mammals, most importantly deer, as it is the deer tick which is mainly responsible for spreading Lyme, though they are not themselves infected. When ticks are sated they drop off the host animal and wait in vegetation for their next potential victim which may be us or our dogs. Ticks carry a number of diseases though Lyme is probably the most familiar.
Prevention
The advice given by the Global Lyme Alliance is to avoid tick infested areas which include vegetation such as long grass, shrubs, bracken and dead leaves in areas grazed by deer. Not easy for dog walkers to do in Lyme affected parts of the country. Short of keeping to roads we have to look at other ways of keeping ourselves and our dogs safe.
For humans the most effective way of preventing tick bites is stopping them coming into contact with skin by wearing long trousers tucked into socks or boots and long sleeved tops. If this feels undoable in hot weather there are tick repellents available. A pharmacist will be able to advise or, for those preferring natural deterrents, there are a variety of options but seek the advice of a holistic professional.
For dogs physically preventing ticks being able to get on their skin is more difficult as, although body suits are available they are not suitable for warm weather and not all dogs will tolerate them. For this reason the only realistic alternatives are repellents and/or prompt removal. For the most effective repellents ask your vet – a holistic veterinarian will be able to advise regarding the use of ‘alternatives’.
Tick removal
It is important that ticks are removed as soon as possible, and certainly within 24hhrs. To ensure you can do this it is important to know how to remove ticks safely and have the necessary equipment to hand.
This should include a tick remover, such as an O’Tom Tick or a Tick Key and fine tipped tweezers for any you can’t get to with a tick remover. Ticks tend to attach to areas with thinner hair such as between the toes, the axillae, groins, the nose, near the eyes and even the gums. If you are unable to remove a tick for any reason seek help from your veterinarian.
Using traditional methods of removal such as squeezing and twisting them off with your fingers or burning can cause the ticks to disgorge their stomach contents into the bite, significantly increasing the risk of infecting the dog/human with Lyme or other tick borne diseases
Sources and Resources
Global Lyme Alliance
Other tick borne conditions UK
Other tick borne conditions US
The American KC tick advice
UK Veterinary tick advice
Using the O’Tom Tick
Using the Tick Key
All links working as of 21.06.2925