Why we hate ticks!

Melissa Evans LVT, VTS(ECC) for VetCandy, LLC

Ticks act as vectors of many diseases that can affect humans and other mammals. A vector is any living creature that can transfer diseae to another living thing. Lyme disease is not only the most common tick borne disease but is also the most common vector borne disease in the US. Ticks also spread Rocky mountain spotted fever, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis as well as other less common illnesses.

Ticks are ectoparasites – organisms that live on the outside of an animal. These external parasites feed on the blood of animals. Gross, right? These little vampires require a bloodmeal to survive. Ticksfeed on mammals, birds and occasionally reptiles or amphibians.

Ticks are not insects. They are arachnids, like spiders. They have eight legs and they do not fly or jump. Adult ticks are only 3 to 5 mm long. They have an oval body that becomes engorged with blood as they feed. Their head contains mouthparts that are specifically for piercing skin to get to a blood meal. They also have a tiny feeding tube which they insert to ingest the blood.

There are 4 stages to a tick lifecycle and each required that they have a host, and therefore a blood meal before moving into the next stage. Ticks start as eggs. When they hatch they are considered to be in the larval stage. Once they have their first blood meal they grow into their third stage, known as nymphs before finally becoming adults. Ticks can take up to 3 years to complete their life cycle. Most ticks die because they are unable to find a host to provide a blood meal.

Ticks are found outdoors, usually in tall grasses or thick brush in marshes and woods. As I said earlier, ticks are not able to fly or jump, but they find their hosts by sensing body heat and vibrations in an act known as ‘questing’. They will position themselves on their back pairs of legs on the tips of grass or leaves and use specialized hairs on their front legs to feel for when a host walks by. If the host brushes the plant the tick will use its front legs to climb onto the passing host and find a patch of skin where they can bite and latch on.  Ticks are able to attach to any part of the body, but will often attach to legs and armpits on humans. In dogs and other animals they often attach around the ears, base of the tail and legs. Most humans and dogs are infected from the bites of juvenile ticks called nymphs. The nymphs are extremely small, smaller than a poppy seed, so you may not even notice they are there. These nymphs are most active in the spring and summer months. Adult ticks are much larger and are more likely to be discovered and removed before being able to pass on the disease. The adult ticks tend to be more active during the fall whereas the nymphs are more active in the spring and summer.

How do ticks transmit disease?

The organisms that transfer disease are found in the saliva of the tick. When the tick latches on to a host it secretes a small amount of saliva which has anesthetic properties so the host is unaware that the tick is feeding. They also produce a sticky, gluelike substance that helps ensure they remain attached.  It inserts its feeding tube in to the very small cut it has made and begins feeding on the host’s blood. As the tick feeds the infectious organisms in the salvia enters the hosts bloodstream and cause infection. It usually takes 24-48 hours for a tick to the host.

Ticks do not usually ingest enough blood for the blood loss to be a problem. In rare cases or in very small animals ticks can cause anemia.

What are the signs of tickborne disease?

Each different tick borne disease has different signs, but there are some similarities. Fever and lethargy are common in most of the illnesses.

Lyme disease usually causes lameness and joint swelling. In humans the bite of a tick infected with Lyme disease can leave a tell-tale rash shaped like a bullseye.

Another rare reaction dogs have to tick bites is paralysis. This is due to a toxin that female ticks produce when they are feeding. 

It is important to see a doctor or veterinarian if you or your pet become ill after being bitten by at tick or after having been in areas where ticks are common.

How to prevent tick borne disease?

The first step to avoiding tickborne disease is prevention. There are two main preventatives for ticks in dogs. These preventatives come in an oral form, usually as a chewable tablet, or a topical form, either as a liquid that is placed right on your dogs skin or as a collar. Your veterinarian will help you decide which is right for your pet.

Humans can use an over the counter bug repellent when they are anywhere there is concern for ticks. It is imperative that you DO NOT use insect repellent made for humans on your dog. The two main ingredients in insect repellent are DEET and Picardin. These are toxic to animals and can cause vomiting, and seizures.

If you are outside with your pet in an area that has the potential for ticks, try to keep them out of the tall grasses and shrubs that ticks like to hang out on. Owners should wear long pants and long sleeves to prevent ticks from having anywhere to latch on. When you get home, check your dog thoroughly for any ticks that could have latched on. Specifically check their feet, ticks like to hide between the toes, around and inside the ears, around the eyes and under the tail. Run your hands along your dog’s body, going in the opposite direction of hair growth to feel for any ticks.

If you find a tick on yourself or your pet remove it immediately. The faster you remove the tick the lower the chance they will pass on lyme disease. Remember, it takes 24-48 hours for the tick to transmit the bacteria. So, if you remove the tick before that time it is unlikely you or your pet will contract lyme disease. There are videos on the internet that will show you the best way to remove a tick, or you can contact your veterinarian. It’s important not to leave any bit of the tick attached, so appropriate removal is critical. If you don’t feel comfortable removing the tick from your dog, be sure to take him to the vet to get the tick removed.

There is also an option for a non-core vaccine for Lyme Disease for your dog. if your dog’s lifestyle supports the need for this vaccine your veterinarian may suggest that he get this vaccine. Check with your veterinarian if you think this may be appropriate for your dog.