New ticks bring new diseases and more reasons to be careful with pets

By: Dani Gunder, Veterinary Technician at ZimmVet

Our weather patterns have been changing along with our pet population and where they are coming from. Together both have contributed to the migration and. Introduction of new ticks to be aware of in Minnesota; the gulf and American dog tick.

We already know dogs are at risk for many widespread tick bourne diseases so we annually check for 3 (Lyme, ehrlichia, anaplasmosis) but there are diseases, new to our area, to be aware of from ticks that are normally native to southern or western states and seen in much lower incidence here. Now that is all changing.

These ticks have the potential to spread diseases in Mn such as: Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia, and rickettsia parkeri rickettsiosis. The ticks and their younger, nymph phase are so small it can be very easy to miss one biting and being attached to your canine pal. It takes only about 5hrs for a tick to be attached long enough to spread disease. The diseases can have drastic neurological impact, along with changing their appetite, and causing pain. At the worst and if left untreated symptoms can be fatal.

Because of these and all the other chances of disease ticks can share with our canine friends we at ZimmVet recommend year round flea/tick and heartworm prevention in all dogs in MN for best protection.