DOGS
DOGS
Ticks
These unpleasant beasties are picked up, mostly by dogs (sometimes by us), out in the open. There are many theories about how to detach them (they burrow their heads into the flesh, get a good grip, and suck blood). From one dog owner: just get a good grip and pull them off. Just make sure you kill the ticks, or they will be back on. The bite should heal quickly, if it doesn’t spray with betaisodona from the chemist. You can do the same for humans…
If you have a pet with a major problem the easiest and safest way to deal with it is to simply get a proprietary treatment from the Chemist.
Fleas
For both fleas and ticks use Frontline or an equivalent from the vet or the pet shop. You can also use anti-parasite sprays and shampoos. Frontline is prohibitively expensive if you have more than one dog: if anyone has other suggestions please let us know.
Leishmaniasis
This deadly disease is carried by mosquitos (no-seeums). It mostly affects dogs, but it can affect humans. It is possible early diagnosis and treatment gives dogs a better chance of survival. Symptoms are lethargy, losing weight, losing patches of hair, enlarged joints, crusty skin lesions and rope-like knots under the skin.
Prevention is better than (the very difficult and expensive) cure: you can buy a collar from your vet (Scalibor) to prevent your pet being bitten. The disease is at its height during the summer months.
From the Village Office: Date: 11/08/2007