Ticks and the diseases they carry

Ticks are common all year round in the Philippines. Besides being a nuisance, they can carry blood parasites such as ehrlichia, anaplasma and babesia, which can make dogs seriously ill.

Signs to watch for

• fever, low energy or sleeping more than usual
• poor appetite or weight loss
• pale gums
• nosebleeds, bruising or small red spots on the skin or gums
• dark urine

These signs can come and go, and they can appear weeks after the tick bite. A blood test tells your vet whether a blood parasite is the cause.

Prevention

• Use a tick prevention product all year round, as your vet recommends. Ask us which suits your pet's age, size and lifestyle.
• Check your pet after walks, especially the ears, between the toes, around the neck and under the legs.
• Remove a tick by gripping it close to the skin with fine tweezers and pulling steadily. Do not crush it with your fingers.
• Clean bedding and the areas where your pet sleeps. Ticks can live in the home and in kennels.

If your pet has any of the signs above, book a check-up. Early treatment makes a real difference.