Vet issues Warning for South West England

Jessica Curtis — Sat, 30 Mar 2024 20:00:00 +0000

Tick bites can, in some cases, cause Lyme disease. The UK Health Security Agency warns that this time of year is when cases of Lyme Disease increase as ticks become more prominent with the warmer weather returning and we spend more time outdoors.

Residents of high-risk tick areas, such as in South West England, should be reminded to be 'tick aware' while enjoying the outdoors.

As pet ownership increases the risk of encountering ticks, Resident Vet Linda at Pooch & Mutt advises dog owners on what to do if they see a tick on their dog.

Ticks are often mistaken for growths or skin tags but they're quite different. They are smooth and shiny on the surface and we can see their black spindly legs if we look closely. If left on the pet, they engorge with blood and grow quickly over a period of about 4 or 5 days before falling off.

Ticks are very common where deer graze, so places like woodlands as well as grassy fields. While they're there all year, we see the most in the spring and summer here in the UK.

Most ticks don't carry disease but there is a risk of your dog contracting tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease. These diseases can make your dog very poorly, with signs including a fever and lameness. Importantly, these diseases can potentially be spread to humans'.

One of the common symptoms of Lyme disease in humans is a 'bullseye' rash at the site of the tick bite. This usually develops 3 to 30 days after being bitten however is not always present in all cases. Other symptoms according to the UK Health Security Agency include fever, headache and fatigue, a facial droop, nerve pains and numbness or tingling in the hands or feet.

If your dog does become unwell after a tick bite, it can take about 1 to 3 weeks for signs to develop.

If an owner sees a tick, we advise them to remove it immediately. This means using a tick remover or tweezers to twist the tick until it lets go, then killing it in an eggcup of rubbing alcohol. If not comfortable doing so, bring them to the nearest vet and they can do it for you.

If your dog has had ticks before or lives in an area with ticks, you should keep them up to date with a Preventative such as a monthly Frontline spot on or Seresto collar.

PDSA Weekly Vet Q&A - 26 March 2024

Katie Court — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Dear PDSA Vet, I have a Springer Spaniel, Nellie, who loves to run through long grass. I know ticks are commonly found in long grass; how do I know if Nellie has picked one up? Thanks Geoffrey

Hi Geoffrey, you're right, ticks are commonly found in long grass, woodlands, and areas with lots of wildlife or sheep, so it is important to be mindful when heading out for dog walks. The best way to look for ticks is to check Nellie all over after each walk. Ticks are commonly found on your pet's head, ears, armpits, groin and tummy, but give Nellie a complete check over just in case. If you find a tick on Nellie, it is important to remove the tick quickly and properly with a tick removing tool for advice on how to do this safely visit: www.pdsa.org.uk/ticks-on-dogs

Dear PDSA Vet, we've just moved into a new home with our Greyhound, Joey. We have a lovely garden full of plants, but do I need to be mindful of Joey around some of them? Rosemary

Hi Rosemary, hope you are settling well in your new home. Many beautiful common plants, such as daffodils and tulips are toxic to pets and can lead to them becoming unwell if they eat them. The bulbs often have a higher concentration of nutrients than leaves or flowers, so can be more dangerous for your pet. If Joey likes to explore with his mouth, it might be best to section off any areas in your garden with toxic plants, or use tubs and planters that are raised off the ground where he can't reach them. More information can be found: www.pdsa.org.uk/poisonousplants

Dear PDSA Vet, my 6-year-old cat, Ginger has been sneezing, has weepy eyes and a snotty nose. Should I be worried? Thanks, Suhayla

Hi Suhayla, it sounds as though Ginger could have cat flu – it has similar symptoms to human flu, like the ones you've mentioned, and sometimes they have a high temperature. You can help Ginger by keeping his nose clean to prevent build up, so he can smell his food, which will encourage him to eat. Also encourage him to drink, offering him the liquid from a tin of tuna in spring water should entice him. There is no specific cure for cat flu, but treatment can help to reduce symptoms, speed up recovery, and limit future flare-ups. It's best to get in touch with your vet so they can advise on the best treatment options for Ginger. More info on cat flu can be found: www.pdsa.org.uk/cat-flu

Dear PDSA Vet, my rabbit, Sugar, has suddenly gone off her food and doesn't seem to be eating much, is this a cause for concern? Zoe

Hi Zoe, unlike many other species, who can cope with occasionally missing a meal, rabbits need to eat almost continually to keep their guts moving. It's extremely important to contact your Vet if Sugar is suddenly eating less or not eating at all. There are many different problems that could have caused your rabbit to stop eating, but some of the most common include dental disease, stress, and gut problems. If Sugar has stopped eating completely, she could be at risk of serious life-threatening complications such as gut stasis, a gut blockage, dehydration and liver disease. So, give your Vet a call to get Sugar checked over. Find out more: www.pdsa.org.uk/rabbits

For more information visit pdsa.org.uk

PDSA is the UK's largest vet charity providing a vital service for pets across the UK whose owners struggle to afford treatment costs for their sick and injured pets. For many vulnerable pets, PDSA is there to help when there is nowhere else for their owners to turn. Support from players of People's Postcode Lottery helps us reach even more pet owners with vital advice and information.

Your Pets Daily - Ticks on dogs

Vet issues Warning for South West England

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PDSA Weekly Vet Q&A - 26 March 2024

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