We all know how dangerous the dogs are to mites, drinking shelter. However, as practice shows, often this knowledge is rather superficial and is limited to confidence in the need to process the pet's fur. At the same time, veterinarians do not get tired of reminding that such treatment, although effective, is not capable of giving a 100% guarantee of the result. Therefore, a deeper study of the signs of a tick bite in dogs, as well as the symptoms of infection after a tick bite, is a direct responsibility of every responsible breeder.
The first symptoms with a tick bite
It should be recalled that ticks are just terrible because they are heavily diagnosed. Especially it concerns long-haired animals. The only sure sign is to closely monitor your pet.
A bite is, above all, a wound. And although the mite injects a dose of anesthetic into the blood of its victim, the mechanical damage to the skin does manifest itself. In addition, the substance injected by the insect is designed to reduce blood clotting and pain reaction, but in itself is an allergen that causes severe itching. Therefore, the anxiety of the animal, increased nervousness, scratching of a certain place - this is the first symptoms of a dog bite. The owner needs not only to know the habits and character of his pet well, but also to be extremely attentive, especially during their joint walks. At the slightest suspicion, it is necessary to carefully examine the dog not only for the appearance of new wounds, but also protruding tubercles. The presence of the latter indicates the full penetration of the tick under the skin of your pet.
The tick bite with its consequences and symptoms
So, your dog was bitten by a tick . This situation can have two options: you have established the fact of a bite visually and you are in ignorance. In the first case, if the mite is still on the surface, it is necessary to squeeze it with tweezers as close as possible to the skin and twist in a circular motion. Sharply to pull it is impossible in any case! So you can leave the insect's head under the skin of your four-legged friend. Next, the wound should be treated with greenery. With these simple actions you will provide first aid to your dog. Keep in mind, consultation and examination by a veterinarian it will not replace!
If you do not know about the bite, the fate of your pet will again depend on your attentiveness. You need to know that a tick bite is fraught with a dog not only and not so much with actual blood loss as possible diseases. In particular, there are two of them:
- Pyroplasmosis is a blood-parasitic disease that causes massive destruction of blood cells. It is accompanied by a strong fever, general apathy, lack of appetite. It leads to anemia, jaundice, a general strong decrease in immunity and other very serious consequences. The good news is that these parasites - pyroplasm - do not kill the animal in an instant. The incubation period is about 6-10 days, then the symptoms manifest gradually. Therefore, if you sound the alarm and turn to the veterinarian in time - the animal is waiting for a long and healthy life.
- Lyme disease (borreliosis) is a rarer, but still possible consequence of a dog mite bite. It is very difficult to diagnose. The incubation period can be several months. After the bite of an infected tick, the symptoms of this disease are lameness, joint pain, and general apathy of the animal.
Thus, it is very important not only to know what the mite bite looks like and what symptoms of subsequent infection, but also to be extremely careful. Remember that love is responsibility! Especially when it comes to our shaggy brothers.