News

Actions

Protecting pets from the dangers caused by ticks in Idaho

Posted at 5:18 PM, May 30, 2018
and last updated 2018-05-30 22:03:59-04

There have been numerous sightings of ticks since the weather started getting nice in Boise and the surrounding areas here in Idaho.

We first reported on the outbreak of ticks about a month ago, giving people advice to stay safe, now we look at the pet perspective and have advice from an animal dermatologist to keep pets free from the diseases that ticks can cause.

"Anybody that takes their dogs up to the foothills, to McCall, or Sun Valley to go hiking with the dogs they are going to encounter ticks," said Dr. Andrea Cannon. 

Dr. Cannon said that the best way to protect our pets is to use repellent coming from a recommendation from Dr. Michael Dryden of Kansas State.

"That is harder then it sounds," said Dr. Cannon. "The product that we use that are good repellents tend to be more toxic and the ones that aren't quite as strong and are safer you may still find a tick or two."

Dr. Cannon recommends chewables for dogs or a topical solution for cats that will kill a tick if it bites either animal, however, she said that if you plan on hiking out in wilderness areas a spray would be more effective.

These remedies are prescription and pet owners will have to talk to their veterinarian to be supplied with the chewables or the spray.

Dr. Cannon also said that Lyme Disease, the most feared disease that ticks can transfer does happen in Idaho, although it is rare, she said there are signs the disease is spreading.