Beware of danger from undetected ticks
A NEW study shows many pet owners are dangerously unaware of the threat ticks hold to their beloved animals.
Along the east coast 20,000 pets each year are affected by paralysis ticks with 60 per cent of these cases occurring in spring.
Experts are warning peoples to protect their pets against the life-threatening dangers. Professor Pete Irwin, the lead investigator of the nationwide study, said ticks could lead to serious diseases in both animals and humans.
“It is important that pets are manually checked for ticks at least once a day, by running fingers through the coat over the skin feeling for small lumps,” Prof Irwin said.
Sally Spratt, 31, from Alexandria loves taking her dog Baloo for a walk but is cautious about ticks at this time of year.
“I have a friend who lost a dog to ticks, so that was horrible, but we have been quite lucky,” Ms Spratt said.
“I always make sure I have a look after every walk.”