Carefully remove ticks from pets

Carefully remove ticks from humans, dogs and cats

The time of the ticks has begun. Especially pets like dogs and cats suffer from the tick bites. If the parasites are removed, it should be done very carefully and gently. Those who are not confident or insecure, ask the vet of trust best.

In the spring, ticks hide especially in the high grass and shrubbery. There the parasites lurk on suitable host animals and humans. It is often assumed that the ticks fall from the trees. This is not true, however, as the ticks wipe off as they pass or climb up onto the host animal or humans. There, the tiny tiny arachnids linger for some time, until they find a thin area of ​​skin to drip and suck. A blood meal can take up to 7 days, the ticks swells in this time many times.
To avoid tick bite. Because when sucking blood, saliva reaches the tick in the wound and can transmit dangerous pathogens“, Prof. Dr. Theo Mantel, President of the Federal Chamber of Veterinary Medicine. The best known is the tick species „wood tick“ (Ixodes ricinus), it transmits the borreliosis and the human-relevant meningitis TBE. The medics are also worried about the black-throated eel (Dermacentor reticulatus) from the Mediterranean. This species is spreading more and more in Germany and infects the host with the babesiosis. „This disease is relatively new to us and especially dangerous for dogs. The pathogens destroy the red blood cells and there are always fever episodes or even central nervous symptoms and kidney failure“, says Prof. Mantel.

Because the pathogens of infectious diseases are transmitted in many cases after 12 to 24 hours, the tick should be removed from the carcass as soon as possible. Prophylaxis should be provided, especially if trips are planned abroad or to southern Germany. But if the preparations are used incorrectly, threaten serious illnesses and even deaths, especially in cats, as the BTK explained. thats why „Thorough advice from your veterinarian is essential!“

Widely used is the assumption, nail polish, oil or similar on the puncture site to lubricate the tick. This should not be done, as the vets stress. Because such a procedure favors the transmission of pathogens, since the tick „before panic empties her contaminated stomach contents“ and the pathogens have free access to the wound.

If a part of the tick gets stuck in the skin, the area can become inflamed. In such a case, a veterinarian should be consulted immediately. „Nymphs, the early and very small stages of development of the ticks, are often overlooked and difficult to remove because of their small size.“ Even then it is advisable to visit a veterinarian, if the bloodsucker can not be removed.

In humans, the ticks are removed in the same way. The professional association of paediatricians emphasizes that parents should free their children as quickly as possible from the parasites. The best is a very narrow tweezers. Before removal, the skin should be gently stretched slightly around the area of ​​the tick. Then use the tweezers to grasp the tick in the head area (as close as possible over the skin) and then carefully pull it vertically without twists. When removing it is important to ensure that the ticks body is not crushed or pressed. Otherwise, the contents of the stomach are emptied and the pathogens get into the wound. After removal, wash and disinfect the puncture site. If a part of the tick gets stuck in the skin, sufferers should consult a doctor immediately to avoid an inflammatory reaction. In humans too, treatment with glue, oil, fire or alcohol should be avoided. (Sb)

Also read:
Tick-risk in southern Germany very high
Doctors: carefully remove ticks with tweezers
The tick season has begun
Prevention: Do not panic with ticks
TBE and Lyme disease by tick bites