Experts Say Watch Out for Tick-borne Disease in Missouri Dogs
It's that time of year when ticks rear their ugly blood-sucking heads and become a problem. Ticks are more than just an issue for people as experts are warning to be on the lookout for diseases currently spreading among the Missouri dog population.
The American Kennel Club is a warning of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever which (despite the name) is not limited to the Rocky Mountain region. Not even close. This is becoming a much more common issue among dogs in Missouri, too.
How do I know if my dog has Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever?
The American Kennel Club says the symptoms you need to watch for are "fever, poor appetite, swollen lymph nodes, and joint pain". If your pet appears "wobbly", that is also a trouble sign.
The University of Missouri says that the Blacklegged tick and Brown dog tick are the main villains when it comes to Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever transmission. This isn't just a pet problem either. These ticks can pass them along to humans, too and that sickness is not fun to deal with even if it's less serious in people than to dogs normally.
As the CDC map shows, Missouri is right in the heart of where these ticks thrive.
It's vital to have your dogs de-ticked to help prevent the spread of this vile disease. It seems to be a growing problem as the temperatures rise as we approach summer.