By Dr. Shanna Plitt, Veterinarian
Now that the warm weather is here, and Cinco de Mayo is right around the corner, I’m sure you are starting to think more and more about a fresh lime and a tasty margarita. Unfortunately, the warm weather has ticks thinking about your pets and a different type of Lyme!
May is Lyme Disease Awareness month – and for good reason, too! While we like rocks in our margaritas these pests like the tall brush, grass and wooded areas where they can easily hop onto dogs and outdoor cats.
Most people out there like to check their margarita glass to make sure it has plenty of salt on the rim. You should also always check your furry friend head to toe anytime they have been outside. Usual tick hangouts include close to the head, neck, ears and feet. However, sometimes, you can find a few stragglers on the rest of the body so make sure to be thorough!
If you slice too many limes and have too many margaritas, your symptoms might include dehydration and a headache [sounds like quite the hangover!] so I would recommend an anti-inflammatory and a glass of water. When it comes to Lyme and ticks, prevention is the best medicine [although prevention might be the best answer for the occasional hangover, too!]. Symptoms of tick bites might include excessive biting, licking or scratching the skin, along with bouts of tiredness, stiffness and loss of appetite. In addition to thorough body checks make sure to groom your pets regularly. Lyme disease has been linked to complications that affect the heart, kidneys, and nervous system so it is also important to stay current with your monthly preventative medication and to see your veterinarian for regular checkups.
Enjoy the weather and if you have any questions on Lyme, limes or ticks please contact us. Cheers!
