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| Ticks
There are hundreds of species of ticks, and different ticks are found in different countries. They multiply quickly in hot, wet conditions, when the vegetation is at its highest. Ticks climb up bushes or blades of grass, and wait for an animal or human to brush past. They then attach themselves to the host. The tick bites the host and sucks blood. The stomach swells, like a balloon, to several times its normal size. Ticks can be spread by wild animals, cattle, horses, pets, etc. If the tick is pulled off before it bites, no harm is done. But some ticks are infected with smaller parasites, and these can pass into the host's bloodstream, causing illness. The most common tick-borne illness in dogs is babesiosis, also known as biliary. The signs are loss of appetite, distended tummy, paleness of gums and eyeballs, and weakness. If not treated promptly, the dog may die. Dogs may also catch ehrlichiosis and Lyme disease from ticks. Cats can also become ill from tick-related illnesses. Both cats and dogs can be treated with Frontline, Advantix etc, to prevent tick illnesses. Read the instructions carefully, and wash your hands afterwards. Some products are too strong for puppies and kittens. Your vet will advise you on the latest product to prevent these life-threatening illnesses. A female tick lays thousands of tick eggs, then dies. When the eggs hatch, the infestation of the pets begins again, so we need to keep the tick-prevention program going during the summer months. Ticks are not active in extremely cold winters. In countries where it is warm all year round, the pets must be treated all year round. Humans can get tick fever, Lyme disease, rickettsiosis, and encephalitis. Lyme disease is a long term illness affecting the blood, that may result in joint pain, memory loss, and tiredness. Rickettsiosis produces headache and flu-like symptoms. Tick-related illnesses are difficult to diagnose. Disease can also be got from drinking unpasteurised milk from an animal that has been bitten by a tick. When walking in the countryside, tick bites can be prevented with insect repellants, and protective clothing. Always check your body on return from a walk.
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