Here in Canada, cats, dogs and other companion animals face a constant risk all year-round: ticks. However, with the right combination of awareness building and preventative action, veterinary professionals and pet owners alike can take one step closer to ending unnecessary suffering in animals, as well as the spread of tick-borne disease. As we mark Tick Bite Prevention Week, we’re calling you to join us in making an impact!
What is Tick Bite Prevention Week?
Tick Bite Prevention Week takes place in March every year, and seeks to raise awareness of the impacts of tick bites – not just in animals, but in humans, too.
Every year, thousands of veterinary clinics the world-over educate their visitors about the potential dangers of tick bites, and what steps should be taken in the event of a tick bite.
For pet owners, this week is an opportunity to spread the word among friends, family and colleagues. When it comes to raising awareness, every effort is welcome!
Why is Tick Bite Prevention So Important?
According to TickTalk Canada, the risk from ticks has increased significantly over the past decade, with the species becoming fitter, faster and stronger. Now, more than ever, raising awareness is crucial. These small, bloodsucking parasites play host to a range of dangerous diseases that can be transmitted to both pets and humans. The most common, and most significant risk here is the spread of Lyme disease.
Ticks can be active at any time of year, so it’s vital to know what to look for and what to do in the event of a bite.
Ticks: How to Beat the Bite
Ticks can be found virtually everywhere. However, some of the most common areas to find these parasites include woodland, moorland, fields or anywhere that green space is shared by wildlife. They’re also commonly found in gardens. When it comes to checking your pet for ticks, be sure to examine these areas:
- Armpits
- Groin
- Head
- Ears
- Neck
- Paws & legs
For treating ticks bites, there are a few options as to what action you can take. These options range from spot-ons and sprays (usually up to 4 weeks of protection), tablets (usually 4-12 weeks of protection) and collars, which can protect animals for up to 8 months. However, no treatment is 100% effective, which is why awareness building is key.
What To Do If You Find a Tick on Your Pet
If you find a tick on your pet, don’t panic. Ticks transmit harmful bacteria to their hosts within 1-3 days after attaching, but only if they’re carrying it. Either way, ticks should be removed immediately. Here’s some tips to pass on if you’re a veterinary professional, or to bear in-mind if you’re a pet owner:
Mouthparts
It’s important to remove ticks without leaving the mouthparts inside your pet’s skin.
Clean removal
Use clean tweezers or a special tick-removing tool to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible.
Safe movement
Pull the full tick upward. Remove the mouthpart from the skin if it breaks off.
Cleansing
After removing the tick, clean the site of the tick bite with warm salt water (1 teaspoon of salt to one pint of warm water) or use an antiseptic solution.
Avoid crushing
Avoid crushing a tick with your fingers. Disease can pass through a wound or cut in your skin.
Dispose of a live tick by:
- Putting it in alcohol
- Placing it in a sealed bag/container
- Wrapping it tightly in tape
- Flushing it down the toilet
How Can You Raise Awareness?
Whether you’re a vet clinic manager or a pet owner, there are lots of things you can do to make an impact and change the narrative on tick-borne diseases:
Educational posters
Vibrant, colorful and sure to catch attention, our posters are free to download and easy to print. Simply download, print and adorn your walls, doors and noticeboards.
Infographics
Perfect for sharing on any virtually any channel, our handy infographics make tick bite awareness as simple and as visually appealing as possible.
Social media assets
Banners, graphics and more. Share these free assets to make waves on social media!
Sharing this blog
This blog has lots of advice that applies to pet owners. Share it and send it around – you never know who it might help.
Spreading the word
Nothing beats word of mouth! Whether you’re advising a visitor to your clinic or meeting a friend for coffee, take the information you’ve learned and spread the word!
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