Category: Dog tick control

Beach safety for the whole family, including tick protection

Sadly, we see social media posts like this one, recirculating from last year, which alert us of the potential dangers of a seemingly innocent day of fun at the beach with our children and pets. The beach can be a haven – a place of fun, sunshine, and respite…but we must be vigilant in following important safety tips, including those that protect us from tick bites.

Tick protection is essential – protect your kids and pets from ticks at the beach

Tick protection is essential, even on the beach!

It’s easy to assume that we won’t encounter ticks at the beach, as there might not be a lot of grass or wooded areas, but that assumption is incorrect. Ticks do live at the beach, carried there by wildlife, and waiting to take their blood meal from an unsuspecting victim.

Protect yourself, your children, and your pets from ticks at the beach by following these tips:

  • Do not sit among dunes or grassy areas on the beach
  • Use permethrin on your clothes, DEET on exposed skin
  • Keep long hair pulled back
  • Use tick prevention on your pets
  • Check towels, clothing, yourselves, your children, and your pets from head to toe when you are ready to leave – repeat when you arrive home
  • Baths and showers for everyone when you get home, including your pet
What do you do if you find a tick?

Here’s what to do if you find a tick !

Beach safety tips for your dog

Pets can have a great day visiting the beach with us, but there are additional dangers that we might face when bringing Fido on a beach day. I want you to be aware that fleas and ticks are not the only hidden dangers on the beach, as the Facebook post above illustrates.

 

 

Have a happy and safe day of fun by following these tips:

  • Bring lots of fresh water, and a big bowl that won’t turn over
  • Be mindful of not allowing your dog to ingest saltwater during play (i.e. fetching the ball in the water)
  • Consider a life vest if your dog likes to go into the water
  • Bring a cooling mat or cooling vest for your dog, especially if they are a short-nosed (Brachycephalic )
  • Give your dog a thorough check for fleas and ticks when you are ready to go home
  • Bathe and re-check your dog when you arrive home, to rid his skin of itchy saltwater residue and irritating sand
Give your dog a bath after the beach – even if he doesn’t enjoy it!

Did you know that your dog can suffer paralysis from a tick bite?

Dave Macchia, tick control enthusiast
Dave Macchia, Tick Control Enthusiast

As always, I am committed to spreading awareness about tick protection, and the prevention of tick-borne illnesses, such as Lyme disease, in Central Mass and beyond. I hope that you and your family have a fun, safe, and tick-free summer this year with professional tick control around your home and yard!

Also read: Where do ticks live in Massachusetts?

 

Babesiosis in Central Massachusetts: A Danger to Dogs & Humans

Much of the discussion about tick-borne diseases in Central Massachusetts is centered around Lyme Disease. While Lyme is certainly a worthy subject, we would be remiss to not share with you important information about other dangerous tick-borne diseases which could be transmitted in Chelmsford, Cambridge and the surrounding area.

Babesiosis is the disease in question. A dangerous disease for humans and their furry best friends, dogs.

Babesiosis in Central Massachusetts Dogs

Babesiosis in Central Massachusetts dogs
The American dog tick

Currently, there is a large outbreak of Babesiosis in dogs in the United Kingdom, which serves as a reminder that it could happen here too. The Babesia canis vogeli, Babesia gibsoni and the Babesisa conradae are the three parasites that can cause Babesiosis illness in our canine friends. These parasites are transmitted to your dog through the saliva of an infected American dog tick, sometimes known as the “wood tick”. Removing an infected tick safely and promptly can prevent the transmission of parasites and other pathogens.

According to the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC), symptoms of Babesiosis in dogs can include hemolytic anemia, anorexia, depression, fever, a pale complexion, an enlarged spleen or bounding pulse. Infected dogs can usually be treated successfully with an antiprotozoal medication, although late or undiagnosed cases could lead to death. If you suspect your dog has Babesiosis illness, see your veterinarian right away. The CAPC recommends treating your pets with tick control medication year round to lower your dog’s risks. As with all dog medication, follow your veterinarian’s advice closely.

Babesiosis in Central Massachusetts Humans

Babesiosis in Central Massachusetts
Deer Tick

Babesiosis illness in humans is usually caused by the parasite Babesia microti. Human Babesiosis is spread by deer ticks (black-legged ticks) rather than the American dog tick. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Babesiosis in humans can range “from asymptomatic to life-threatening.” Massachusetts happens to be among the 7 states that account for 95% of the cases of Babesiosis reported in 2013.

While many people infected with Babesia microti never experience any symptoms, those who do may feel flu-like. Symptoms can include a headache, body aches, fever, chills, sweats, loss of appetite, nausea or fatigue. Some cases can cause hemolytic anemia which can lead to jaundice. Babesiosis can be severe and even life-threatening, especially in people who do not have a spleen, have a weakened immune system, the elderly or those with another serious health condition such as liver or kidney disease.

Babesiosis can be effectively treated with a 7-10 day combination therapy of antibiotic and anti-parasitic drugs. Be sure to see your doctor immediately if you suspect you may have transmitted Babesiosis.

Stay tuned for the latest on ticks in Central Mass. Be sure to follow the 6 C’s of tick control to make certain your yard is not inadvertently attracting ticks.

Dave Macchia, tick control enthusiast
Dave Macchia, Tick Control Enthusiast