2017 – The year of the Tick?

Pittsburghers, we live in an area of the country with a high tick population and the very mild winters of the last two years mean that they are out early.

Last year I pulled one off of myself after a search & rescue practice. I had the dreaded “bullseye” for months – but (thankfully) never had any symptoms. I pulled probably 10 ticks from my dogs throughout the year and I’ve already pulled ticks off my dogs this year.

Because of this, I have recently had all three of the boys tested for tick-borne antibodies. Bentley and Copper are both free of tick-related antibodies, but poor Chase is positive for everything. All three boys have been vaccinated for Lyme disease this year. I’m not taking any chances.

While I do spend a decent amount of time off-trails and in the woods with my guys, ticks are in the neighborhood, because deer are in the neighborhood. The most recent ticks came from a field in my neighborhood.

This is something that I want to learn more about, so I’ve talked to my vet, Dr. Michael Meneo from Pittsburgh Mobile Veterinary Services About ticks, potential illnesses, the vaccination, and the seemingly increasing number of ticks in the area. We will be holding a “Ask the Vet” evening in March. Details TBA soon!

What we will address:
– What Lyme disease is, how its transmitted, common symptoms and how to treat it.

– Should you vaccinate? There are lots of questions about Lyme vaccinations.

– Anything else you want to ask a vet.