Ticks and mosquitoes are a headache for pet owners, and now it looks like they’re causing trouble for shelter dogs too.
A new study shows that over 20% of shelter dogs in the Eastern United States have either heartworms or Lyme disease.
The bad news is that these tiny pests are spreading more than ever, thanks to warmer weather.
The study took blood samples from 3,750 dogs in 19 states in the Eastern U.S. The findings were alarming.
More than 10% of these dogs had heartworms. About 8% were exposed to bacteria that cause Lyme disease.
Another 10% had less common diseases from ticks called anaplasmosis or ehrlichiosis. Some dogs even had more than one type of infection.
Why is this a big deal? Well, heartworms and Lyme disease can be very bad for dogs, and these bugs are showing up in places where people didn’t expect them.
For instance, Lyme disease was found in Virginia and heartworm in Maine.
Heartworms can damage a dog’s heart and lungs if not treated, and Lyme disease can cause tiredness and even harm the kidneys.
Plus, these diseases aren’t just a problem for pets. Lyme disease can also affect people, leading to fever, rashes, and aches. Anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis can cause fever and headaches in people, and sometimes even more severe health issues.
So, what can we do about it? The answer is simple but sometimes costly: preventative medicine. Medicine can protect dogs from these diseases, but many stray or neglected dogs don’t get this treatment.
For heartworms, treatments are available but can be expensive and complicated. Some long-lasting infections may even be deadly.
Corinna Hazelrig, the person who led the study, says that preventive medicine is crucial. It might cost some money, but it’s a good investment for your pet’s health.
Even though some people think these diseases are not present in their area, the study shows otherwise. The changing climate is letting ticks and mosquitoes spread to new places.
What does this mean for us? For one, we have to be careful and keep an eye out for ticks and mosquitoes, whether we have pets or not.
The number of people getting Lyme disease is rising and could be more than 400,000 each year, according to some experts. Secondly, if you’re adopting a dog, it’s good to know about these risks and get your new pet checked and treated if needed.
Finally, these findings also help doctors and vets understand where these diseases are spreading and who might get sick next.
There’s even a free online resource that shows where these diseases are most common, updated every month, which can help you stay informed.
So remember, whether you’re a pet owner or not, it’s important to take these risks seriously. Check for ticks, use preventative meds on your pets, and stay informed to keep both you and your furry friends safe.
Follow us on Twitter for more articles about this topic.
