A Malta veterinarian is warning animal owners that ticks are active again.
MALTA, N.Y. (WNYT)- Dr. Jake Zaidal, a veterinarian with over 20 years of experience, shared his insights on tick-borne illnesses, now that the weather is getting warmer.
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“Back in the early 2000’s this area was not known for tick borne illness and now it’s our most common infectious disease,” said Dr. Zaidal.
He explained that ticks become active when temperatures rise above 35 to 40 degrees.
“Anytime the temperature goes above 35 to 40 degrees, they’re going to be active and feeding again,” he said.
Dr. Zaidal recommends daily tick checks, including around the ears and mouth. “Even flipping up the ear flaps so you can look around the base of the ear, right in front of the ear, that’s a hot spot, I’ve seen ticks in the mouth of dogs before,” he said.
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He advises using a proper tick remover instead of tweezers to remove ticks. “Slide the device over the tick and remove carefully,” he said.
Tick preventative care is crucial, with options like chewables, topicals, or a new yearly injection. Anaplasmosis, affecting one in four dogs in Saratoga County, is a major concern.
More information on tick prevention can be found on the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation website.