Parasite Prevention in Virginia: The Importance of Year-Round Medication

While every bug serves a purpose on the food chain, it’s hard to give ticks too much credit. Not only notorious for spreading serious, life-threatening diseases, ticks are hard to spot. And it is their stealth-factor that gives them an edge when it comes to the pets we love. Preventing Lyme disease in dogs is a huge priority for us at Crossroads Animal Hospital. With a year-round approach, dog owners not only gain peace of mind, but we also do our part to safeguard the health of the entire family. 

Why It Matters

There are several tick species in Virginia, including:

• Blacklegged tick
• Lone Star tick
• Gulf coast tick
• Brown dog tick
• American dog tick

Depending on the lifestage (larva, nymph, adult male/female), ticks have the potential to infect their hosts with any of these terrible diseases:

• Anaplasmosis
• Babesiosis
• Ehrlichiosis
• Tularemia
• Rocky Mountain spotted fever

Combining year-round parasite prevention medication with daily inspections of a pet’s skin influences the best possible outcome. 

The Dangers of Lyme Disease

Caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, Lyme disease is perhaps the most common tick-borne disease in Virginia. An attached tick needs at least 24 hours to transmit the bacteria into their host. For this reason alone, daily checks on a dog’s feet, legs, abdomen, back, neck, ears, and face is crucial in reducing the risk of infection. 

Clinical Signs

If an infected tick goes undetected and spreads the bacteria to a pet dog, clinical signs of Lyme disease may not emerge for 2-5 months after the bite. Some dogs may not ever show obvious symptoms, and others may only develop symptoms long after the infection. 

The most common signs of Lyme disease in dogs are joint tenderness, pain, or shifting-leg lameness. Other signs may include:

• Fever
• Stiff or arched back
• Lethargy 
• Decreased appetite/weight loss
• Breathing problems
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Sensitive to touch

If you know or suspect that your dog has been bitten by a tick, we recommend diagnostic testing. Treatment with strong antibiotics is efficacious with early detection. Without intervention, Lyme disease can cause other health conditions that may not be successfully treated.

Peak Season in Charlottesville

Ticks are a year-round concern for Virginians, but April through September are considered the peak season for tick encounters. The varying life cycles of ticks increases the likelihood of crossing paths with a larva, nymph, or adult at any time during the year. 

Without the ability to jump or fly, ticks rely on sensing their approaching prey. They strategically position themselves on long grass, overgrown shrubbery, and wood piles to try and snag a bushy tail or furry leg walking by. Ticks can grab onto human skin and clothing just as easily. 

Year-Round Parasite Prevention

To combat the health risks of parasites, we recommend Simparica TRIO for active dogs. With ingredients designed to kill fleas and ticks, stop heartworm infection, and kill internal parasites like roundworms and hookworms, Simparica TRIO is an easy, affordable, effective method to preserve dog health. Dogs older than 8 weeks and over 2.8 pounds can safely take these chewable tablets. 

If you have any questions about how to check your dog for ticks, Simparica TRIO, and methods to reduce tick habitat in your yard, please give our team a call at  (540) 832-1751.