Dogs and cats are a staple on farms across the United States. From barn cats to sporting and hunting dogs, many farming households include pets who live or spend time outdoors.
However, dogs and cats who spend time outside may be at increased risk of diseases, including those caused by ticks.
Why are Outdoor Animals at Risk?
Dogs and cats who spend more time outdoors may be at risk of tick bites because ticks are commonly found outdoors in forests and pastures with tall grasses.
By spending time outside in these areas, dogs and cats on farms are more likely to encounter ticks. Whether it’s a cat looking for mice around a barn or a hunting dog in the field, increased time outside means an increased risk of being bitten by a tick.
In addition, dogs and cats who spend time indoors and outdoors can bring hitchhiking ticks into the home, potentially increasing their owner’s risk of getting a tick bite.
Which Tick-Borne Diseases Affect Dogs and Cats?
Tick-borne diseases can affect dogs and cats throughout the United States.
According to the Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine and Merck Veterinary Manual, common tick-borne diseases that affect dogs include Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and ehrlichiosis. However, these can vary based on location within the United States.
Lyme disease is the most frequently diagnosed tick-borne disease in the northeastern United States and can impact humans, dogs and horses across the region. Tick-borne diseases are much less common in cats than dogs, but attached ticks can still cause skin irritation and other health issues.
How Can You Prevent Tick Bites on Your Animals?
You can take many steps to keep your animals safe from tick-borne diseases. The AKC Canine Health Foundation and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have many recommendations for preventing tick-borne diseases, including:
Learn About Tick Risk
The first step to preventing tick bites is learning where and when your animals may be at risk.
For example, because ticks are most common in forests and pastures, farm dogs and cats who spend time in these areas may be at increased risk of tick bites. In addition, ticks are frequently found during the spring through the fall months, and tick bites are more common during these warmer times of the year.
Specifically for hunting dogs, it is important to note that tick bite risk can vary by location. For example, the ticks and tick-borne diseases in the Northeast differ from those in the Western United States.
If you are traveling with your dog and hunting in new areas, remember that you and your pet may be exposed to different ticks and diseases in new places.
Do a Tick Check
Checking for ticks is one of the easiest ways to prevent tick bites and tick-borne diseases.
Ticks may bite both dogs and cats, and they prefer to bite areas where the skin is thinner and more covered. This includes under the legs, around the ears, underneath collars and around the tail.
Ticks may be more challenging to spot in dark and long fur, and flea combs can be used to help search for ticks hidden in thick fur.
Remove Attached Ticks
If you find a tick, remove it as soon as possible. To remove an attached tick, grab it as close to the skin as possible with tweezers. Pull straight up with steady pressure until the tick comes out. This method maximizes your chances of removing the tick in one piece.
Talk to Your Veterinarian About Prevention Options
Many tick and flea prevention options are available for dogs, including collars, topical treatments, and oral medications. Talk with your veterinarian about the best options for you and your animal.
The type of treatment that is best for your dog may depend on your animal’s lifestyle. For example, flea and tick collars may not last as long on animals who frequently spend time in the water, such as bird dogs or dogs who enjoy swimming.
An important note is that products should only be used for the type of pet for which they are labeled. Specifically, dog products should not be used on cats.
Many dog products contain permethrin, which is toxic to cats. Other tick prevention options, such as spot-on treatments, are available for cats.
While ticks are most common in the warmer months, tick treatment remains beneficial year-round.
Blacklegged ticks (also called deer ticks), the most common tick species in the Northeast, may be looking for an animal to bite anytime the temperature is above 40 F, even during the winter. Make sure to use tick bite prevention year-round to keep your animals safe.
The good news is many tick-borne diseases are treatable. Reach out to your veterinarian if your animal is sick or if you have any concerns.
You can take many steps to keep your animals safe, keeping the dogs and cats on your farm happy and healthy.
Emily Struckhoff is a Penn State Extension specialist at University Park.
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