Published: June 28, 2008 11:16 pm            

Humane Society 06-29-08

It’s summertime which means it’s tick season. The warm weather increases the numbers of ticks multiplying in our community and also increases the amount of time we spend outside encountering ticks.

Not only are ticks a problem for pets, but certain diseases including Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever are transmitted by ticks. Lyme Disease is now the number one vector–borne disease of humans in the United States. A vector-borne disease is one that is transmitted from one host to another by an insect or parasite.

Ticks go through several life stages. Most of the stages include attaching to an animal or person and engorging with the blood of the animal or person to which it is attached. Ticks in the central part of the United States can attach to animals such as mice, rabbits, squirrels, opossums and raccoons. In the final stage as adults, ticks usually attach to larger mammals including dogs, cats, cattle, horses, deer and humans.

All companion pets should be on tick preventative year round. Tick products can include topical application, oral tablets or liquids and injectables.

In addition to preventative, there are several actions which pet owners can take to control ticks including vacuuming indoor carpets and furniture to collect any ticks at various stages and washing bed linens, pet bedding and rugs which are frequented by pets.

Outside, pet owners can mow lawns regularly and clear brush, leaves and tall grass from around houses to help control and eliminate ticks. In the fall and winter season, gardens should be cleared of dried out plants to eliminate a habitat for ticks. Additionally, wood should be stacked in a dry location off the ground away from the house to eliminate an additional habitat for ticks.

Also, remember to check your pet for ticks when it comes in from the outdoors, particularly if it has been in a wooded area.

There is still time to enter the cutest pet contest at www.fatcatphotos.com. The Humane Society of Stillwater is located at 1710 S. Main and the hours are as follows: Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 2-6 p.m., Thursday from 2-7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 1-5 p.m.

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.