Summer and Tick-Borne Fever in Dogs
Summer is here again. For cats and dogs, the season often means one big worry: mosquito bites and insect stings. When talking about this, we can't avoid mentioning the troublesome ticks.
When it comes to ticks, most people immediately think of tick-borne fever. This disease is very common among dogs in the Hong Kong area.
Today, let's focus on understanding what tick-borne fever really is and how we can effectively prevent it.
Transmission of Bovine Tropical Theileriosis
Bovine tropical theileriosis is primarily transmitted by ticks. These ticks are larger than fleas and lice and mainly attach themselves to a dog's skin to feed on blood in order to survive. Therefore, if your dog has been walking or playing in grass or parks, it is essential to thoroughly check its entire body when it returns home, especially focusing on droopy-eared dogs' ears, chin, paws, and abdomen. This is because the ticks hide in the grass and then jump onto the dog to attach themselves!
We recommend that if your dog is a long-haired breed, you should trim its hair moderately during the summer. Firstly, this helps with better heat dissipation, and secondly, it makes finding ticks easier. If you find any raised bumps, pay close attention because ticks embed their mouths deep into the dog's skin. When removing the ticks, take care to do it slowly without excessive force to avoid pulling out the tick's body while leaving its head embedded in the skin, which can cause serious problems!
The bacteria that cause bovine tropical theileriosis reside in the tick's saliva. When the tick feeds on blood, these bacteria enter the dog's bloodstream and begin to reproduce inside the red blood cells, gradually developing into the disease. The incubation period typically lasts about two weeks after infection, but if the bacteria are not completely eradicated, it may remain latent in the body indefinitely.
Prevention of Tick Fever in Dogs
Research has shown that among the medications used to prevent tick infestations, Frontline Plus is more effective. It only requires applying the topical solution to the skin at the back of the dog's neck. For dogs that frequently go outside, it is best to apply one dose monthly to ensure the medication's effectiveness.
When using the solution, it is essential to part the fur first, as the hair acts as a waterproof barrier. By parting the fur, the topical treatment can better penetrate the skin and work effectively. It is also recommended to avoid bathing the dog two days before and after application because bathing removes the skin's natural oils, which can reduce the absorption of the medication.
The way Frontline Plus works is by being absorbed into the tick when it feeds on the dog's blood. The active ingredients in the solution poison the tick, causing its death within twelve hours. Moreover, ticks generally need to feed continuously for more than three days before they can transmit diseases. Therefore, using Frontline Plus regularly is sufficient to prevent tick-borne illnesses.
However, applying the topical solution should not lead to complacency. It is also important to regularly perform a full-body massage of the dog to check for any ticks attached. This additional measure ensures more effective prevention of tick fever.
Comprehensive Protection Against Tick Fever in Dogs
To ensure your dog is fully protected against tick fever, it is essential to adopt a comprehensive defense approach. This goes beyond just using Frontline Plus drops regularly to prevent tick fever.
Especially during the summer months, when mosquitoes and other insects thrive in humid conditions, additional measures become crucial. Regular use of anti-flea shampoos or sprays can provide extra support in keeping parasites at bay.
By combining consistent application of Frontline Plus with supplementary flea control products, you establish the most complete protective system for your dog, effectively guarding against tick fever.
