Tick Tock, Ticks Are Always On The Clock #Seresto

This post is sponsored by Bayer / Seresto and the Pet Blogger Network. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about the Seresto product, but Mom Knows It All only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Bayer / Seresto is not responsible for the content of this article.

Years ago, when I was working in computer sales, I leaned back in my seat to stretch and scratched my head. I felt a funky bump on the back of my head. I called my friend, who sat one aisle over, and asked her to come see what it was. She checked me out and discovered a tick. She removed it and that was the end of that. Or so I thought.
It wasn’t long before I wasn’t feeling well. I didn’t think much of it at the time. Until I woke up one morning and couldn’t smile. I went to the doctor immediately. I’d developed a Bell’s Palsy, which is a loss of muscle tone in the face. It’s also a symptom of Lyme disease. I had to see several specialists and take some medications. Most of the Bell’s Palsy corrected itself, but unfortunately for me a tiny bit of it was irreparable and remains to this day. I’m lucky the doctor figured out what it was, it only took a series of questions that I was easily able to answer.
According to the Parasite Risk Map found on Pet Parents (shown above) we have four main types of ticks here in New Jersey – Brown Dog Tick, American Dog Tick, Deer Tick, and the Lone Star Tick. Some people think that ticks only are a big problem at certain times of the year. I was one of those people, by the way, I’d always thought that ticks were seasonal. That isn’t the case – there’s always at least one species capable of feeding year round. Some people also think that ticks only carry Lyme Disease. There are other illnesses that can be attributed to tick bites as well.
Besides the Lyme disease I mentioned, the well known Deer Tick can transmit the organisms responsible for anaplasmosis and babesiosis.
According to the CDC, Anaplasmosis is a tickborne disease caused by the bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Of the four distinct phases in the tick life-cycle (egg, larvae, nymph, adult), nymphal and adult ticks are most frequently associated with transmission of anaplasmosis to humans. Typical symptoms include: fever, headache, chills, and muscle aches. Usually, these symptoms occur within 1-2 weeks of a tick bite. The first line treatment for adults and children of all ages is doxycycline.
According to the CDC, Babesiosis is caused by microscopic parasites that infect red blood cells and are spread by certain ticks. Although many people who are infected with Babesia do not have symptoms, for those who do effective treatment is available. Babesiosis is preventable, if simple steps are taken to reduce exposure to ticks.
Both the American Dog Tick and the Brown Dog Tick are responsible for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
According to the CDC, Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a tickborne disease caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii. This organism is a cause of potentially fatal human illness in North and South America, and is transmitted to humans by the bite of infected tick species. In the United States, these include the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis), Rocky Mountain wood tick (Dermacentor andersoni), and brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus). Typical symptoms include: fever, headache, abdominal pain, vomiting, and muscle pain. A rash may also develop, but is often absent in the first few days, and in some patients, never develops. Rocky Mountain spotted fever can be a severe or even fatal illness if not treated in the first few days of symptoms. Doxycycline is the first line treatment for adults and children of all ages, and is most effective if started before the fifth day of symptoms.
The Lone Star Tick transmits ehrlichiosis, tularemia, and STARI.
According to the CDC, ehrlichiosis is the general name used to describe several bacterial diseases that affect animals and humans. Ehrlichiae are transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected tick. Typical symptoms include: fever, headache, fatigue, and muscle aches. Usually, these symptoms occur within 1-2 weeks following a tick bite. The first line treatment for adults and children of all ages is doxycycline.
According to the CDC, tularemia is a disease of animals and humans caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis. Humans can become infected through several routes, including tick and deer fly bites and skin contact with infected animals. Symptoms vary depending upon the route of infection. Although tularemia can be life-threatening, most infections can be treated successfully with antibiotics.
According to the CDC, STARI is a rash similar to the rash of Lyme disease. The rash may be accompanied by fatigue, fever, headache, muscle and joint pains.

Unlike humans, pets don’t have the ability to speak and say what’s wrong with them. That’s a big part of the reason why we need to do what we can to keep our pets safe. One thing you can do to help prevent ticks is regularly groom your dog at home. Brushing and combing not only helps your pets look good, but it can also be the first tool to find potential problems like ticks. Another thing you can do is to use  flea and tick prevention. Seresto® repels as well as kills ticks which may help reduce risk of transmission of these organisms.
We’ve been using the new Seresto flea & tick collar for a couple of months now. The collar is designed to work for eight months. We’re quite pleased with the collar and think that it works great. It’s much simpler to use then products that require a monthly application, since there’s no need to remember to apply a product every month. The collar is waterproof, odorless and non-greasy.
Pet parents, be sure to check out PetParents.com, a great pet community and helpful resource where you can find answers to your questions about pet health and well-being. And, if you’re ready to try the new Seresto collar, you can sign up to get a $20 Seresto rebate.

What ticks are active in your area? Have you ever found a tick on your pet?