Wynnstay Group plc

03/21/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/21/2025 06:28

Tick Prevention for Working Dogs

Tick Prevention for Working Dogs

Working dogs play an incredibly vital role, from herding livestock and assisting law enforcement to aiding individuals with disabilities and performing search and rescue, their contributions are immeasurable. However, their demanding work environments and outdoor lifestyles put them at a significantly increased risk of encountering ticks.

Ticks pose a significant risk to pets, primarily through the transmission of various diseases, in this blog we explore ways in which you can reduce the risk.

Why are Ticks a Threat to Working Dogs

Ticks thrive in environments that provide the necessary moisture, shelter, and access to hosts. Here's a breakdown of where they are commonly found:

Woodland: Forests and woodlands offer ample shade and humidity, creating ideal conditions for ticks.

Grassy Areas: Tall grasses, meadows, and fields are common habitats. Ticks often wait on the tips of grasses and shrubs, ready to attach to passing hosts.

Brushy Areas: Areas with shrubs, bushes, and thickets provide similar conditions to wooded areas.

Gardens and Lawns: Even well-maintained gardens and lawns can harbor ticks, especially along the edges of wooded areas or where there is dense vegetation. Areas with ground cover and low-hanging shrubs are particularly favorable.

Areas with Wildlife: Ticks rely on animals for blood meals, so areas with high populations of deer, rodents, birds, and other wildlife are likely to have more ticks

Common Tick-Borne Diseases in Dogs

  • Lyme Disease: Caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi. Symptoms include lameness, joint pain, fever, lethargy, swollen lymph nodes, and in severe cases, kidney damage.
  • Anaplasmosis: Caused by the bacteria Anaplasma phagocytophilum or Anaplasma platys. Symptoms can include fever, lethargy, joint pain, loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea.
  • Ehrlichiosis: Caused by the bacteria Ehrlichia canis, Ehrlichia ewingii, or Ehrlichia chaffeensis. Symptoms include fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, bleeding disorders (like nosebleeds), and neurological problems.
  • Babesiosis: Caused by protozoal parasites of the genus Babesia. Symptoms include anemia, lethargy, pale gums, dark urine, and in severe cases, organ failure.
  • Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF): Caused by the bacteria Rickettsia rickettsii. Symptoms can include fever, loss of appetite, joint pain, and neurological abnormalities.

Tick-borne diseases pose a serious threat to dogs, making owner awareness crucial. Common culprits include Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, each caused by different pathogens and presenting varying symptoms. These range from lameness, fever, and lethargy to more severe issues like anemia, bleeding disorders, and kidney damage.

These diseases can have both short and long-term consequences. Acutely, dogs may experience sudden lameness, pain, and lethargy, significantly impacting their quality of life. Chronically, they risk developing arthritis, kidney disease, neurological problems, and even fatal conditions like babesiosis. Some diseases, like ehrlichiosis and Lyme, can cause long-term complications even after treatment.

How to Spot Ticks on Your Dog

Regular tick checks are essential for early detection and prevention. Checking your dog thoroughly, especially around the ears, toes, groin, and collar. Prompt removal of ticks with tweezers, along with veterinary-recommended preventatives, is vital. If your dog displays any symptoms, consult your vet immediately. Vigilance and preventative measures are key to protecting your dog from these dangerous diseases.

Here's a breakdown of sign of tick on dogs to watch for:

General Signs

  • Lethargy (lack of energy)
  • Fever
  • Loss of appetite
  • Swollen lymph nodes

Musculoskeletal Issues

  • Lameness (limping)
  • Joint pain and swelling
  • Stiffness

Other Potential Symptoms

  • Pale gums (indicating anemia)
  • Dark urine
  • Bleeding disorders (e.g., nosebleeds)
  • Neurological problems (e.g., seizures, incoordination)
  • A localised skin irritation, or redness at the site of a tick bite on your dog.

Effective Tick Prevention

Regular Grooming and Tick Checks

Make daily tick checks a habit, especially after your dog's been out working or playing in fields or woods.

Gently run your hands over their entire body, focusing on common tick hiding spots like ears, paws, and neck. For dogs with thick fur, a fine-toothed comb or brush can help you spot tiny ticks. If you find one, use a proper tick removal tool. Grip the tick as close to your dog's skin as you can, being careful not to squeeze its body. Pull straight up with steady, even pressure-no twisting or jerking, which can leave mouthparts behind. After removal, disinfect the bite area and wash your hands thoroughly.

Maintain a Tick-Free Environment

Maintaining a tick-free environment is vital for your dog's health. Start by keeping your garden or yard tidy: regularly trim grass, hedges, and any wooded areas to minimise tick habitats. If you have livestock, treating them for ticks is crucial, as they can act as reservoirs and spread ticks to your dog. Finally, don't forget your dog's bedding; regular washing helps prevent re-infestation and keeps their sleeping area free from these pesky parasites.

Support Working Dog's Immune System

A balanced diet is paramount for working dogs, ensuring they have the energy and nutrients needed for their demanding tasks. Opt for high-quality food specifically formulated for active canines, like those found in our working dog range.

To further support their performance and recovery, consider supplementing their diet with appropriate vitamins and supplements.

These additions can help address the increased nutritional needs of working dogs and contribute to their overall well-being. Read our blog on why your working dog needs supplements.

Treating Your Working Dog for Ticks

Even with regular use of preventative treatments, there will sometimes be a need to use specialist treatment to protect your dog from ticks.

Spot-On Treatments

These are topical medications that are applied directly to the animal's skin. They typically come in small tubes or pipettes, containing a liquid solution.

Tick Collars

A popular and convenient method for tick prevention in dogs, and they work by releasing active ingredients that either repel or kill ticks.

Oral Medications

Oral tick medications work systemically; they're ingested, enter the bloodstream, and kill ticks by disrupting their nervous system after they bite.

Tick Sprays & Shampoos

These offer short-term tick control by killing or repelling ticks on contact.They're best used alongside longer-lasting preventatives like oral or topical medications. We reccomend consulting with your vet or a Wynnstay RAMA for further information.

Protecting Your Working Dog with Wynnstay

Speak to one of our qualified RAMAs about long-lasting options like oral medications, spot-on treatments, or tick collars. Make regular tick checks a habit, especially after spending time outside. If you find a tick, use a proper removal tool to safely remove it. Regularly wash your dog's bedding, and consider tick shampoos or sprays for extra protection. Finally, ask your vet about vaccinations that can help prevent tick-borne diseases.

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Digital Marketing Co-ordinator

Anna graduated from the North Wales School of Art and Design in 2014. After graduation she followed a career in marketing, joining Wynnstay in 2017 as Digital Marketing Co-ordinator.

Her role is to look after our social media accounts, her role focuses on sharing the latest news and advice is shared with our growing follower base across all of our social media channels.