03/09/2025
TICKS!!!
A little over a week ago, this little dude and a few of his friends were brought in to be inspected after an owner found numerous crawling all over their horse.
After being submitted to eTick it was confirmed as being a Dermacentor sp. This species of tick prefers larger mammals including wild ungulates, livestock, dogs, and humans! Although Dermacentor species do not spread Lyme Disease that most people first think of, they are capable of spreading other infections like Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Tularemia, and others.
DID YOU KNOW - Ticks are most active in the spring, summer, and fall, HOWEVER they are known to come out when the weather is above 4 degrees Celsius for over a week! As a result, we can expect to see these little creatures for the foreseeable future.
In addition to Dermacentor species, there are many other species of ticks present in Alberta, and each varies in the diseases that they transmit. Although the presence of ticks in Central Alberta is lower than other areas, the range of ticks continues to expand, and each year we see more ticks being submitted from our area. This not only includes animals that are running through areas with large amounts of brush, but also less commonly seen areas like dog parks, walking trails, and even back yards!
Found a tick on your animal?
Every animal species has different treatment options and we would be happy to discuss them at any time! Although in large animals treatment is typically on a case by case basis as needed, in small animals prevention is the best method! For tick prevention in dogs and cats there are products that can be used to protect them from ticks and the diseases they spread. These products vary in their duration (1 months vs. 3 months), but can be administered throughout the months where ticks are active.
Bravecto!
A newer product over the last few years is Bravecto. This chewable product is administer to dogs to provide 3 months of tick and flea coverage! With this product protecting from fleas and ticks is easy, as the medication can be administer now, and again in 3 months time, to provide complete tick and flea coverage.
Stop in during clinic hours to protect your animal and to check out the new clinic!!
