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Parasitic diseases in rabbits: the commonest threats and how to prevent them
Coccidiosis, encephalitozoonosis, ear mange and cheyletiellosis are the parasitic diseases pet rabbits meet most often, and they can go unnoticed for a long time. We explain how they are diagnosed in the laboratory, how they are treated, and which hygiene, quarantine and feeding rules keep infection at bay.
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How to protect your dog’s paws in winter
Frost, ice and road salt leave a dog's pads irritated, cracked and sometimes frostbitten every winter. We explain how to pick a route and a protective wax before the walk, how to rinse and dry the paws properly once you are home, and which signs mean it is time to call the veterinary clinic.
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Horner’s syndrome in dogs and cats: signs, causes, diagnosis and treatment
A drooping eyelid, a smaller pupil and a visible third eyelid on one side add up to Horner's syndrome. It is not painful in itself and does not harm sight, but it often signals another, more serious condition underneath. We explain the causes, the diagnostic steps, the pharmacological tests and the treatment options.
When should you protect your dog against ticks?
When is tick season?
Owners tend to think of tick protection as something you need only during the months when ticks are about. The period most often mentioned is April to October. Unfortunately, that is not a safe assumption: winters in Poland are now relatively mild, and the tick-free period keeps getting shorter. In fact, all it takes is a temperature above freezing for ticks to appear.
When should you protect your dog against ticks?
Tick treatments should be given to dogs all year round! One sunny winter’s day with the temperature above zero is enough to put your dog at risk of a tick-borne disease.
Bear in mind that such a disease can sometimes be fatal, which is why year-round protection is well worth it.
What are the symptoms of tick-borne diseases?
Tick-borne diseases can take a different course in every dog, but the main symptoms include:
How does a tick infect a dog?
Ticks are parasites that live in grass, shrubs and even trees. There they wait for an animal to pass by and climb onto it from their hiding place. Once the parasite finds a suitable spot, it bites in and feeds on blood. When the saliva of an infected tick comes into contact with the dog’s blood, a tick-borne disease can be transmitted.
Remember that even with tick treatments such as tablets, spot-ons, collars or sprays, a dog can still contract a tick-borne disease! Using protection greatly reduces the risk to your dog, but does not rule it out completely. Tablets do not repel the parasites; they kill them once they come into contact with the blood, so your dog may still bring ticks home.
Combining several types of protection reduces the risk of tick-borne diseases considerably.
What matters is to act quickly and see a vet as soon as you notice any unusual behaviour in your dog.