Blog: Deer Ticks Are Out and On Your Pets

While I was at the veterinarian today asking about the difference between a heartworm test and what they call a "4DX" which means it checks for 4 diseases not just heartworm, I was surprised to learn that ticks are already out in Minnesota. Residents are already removing those nasty little deer ticks that cause so much damage and long term illnesses for our cats and dogs.  These ticks carry diseases such as Lymes and Anaplasmosis. Both are very painful and if left unfound can cause long term illness and even death.

Deer ticks are tiny creatures and are very hard to find since they are about the size of a pencil lead, while wood ticks are the big round ticks the size of which is closer to a pencil eraser. These bugs are most often found in tall grasses and the woods but can live in your back yard. The tick attaches itself to a human or pet by biting it. It's saliva can carry a host of bacteria. Once an animal has been infected by a tick the disease needs to be found either after your pet shows symptoms, not my recommendation but it is of several vets, or by having your veternarian run this "4DX" test instead of your usual heartworm test.

Since the 4DX checks for heartworm as well as three other diseases and is less than twenty dollars more expensive I urge people to get the 4DX or use a flea and tick preventative year round. I want to know my pet is sick before he is in pain, not after he is limping and can't get around. But I also use a flea and tick preventaive as well as a heartworm preventative year round. My dogs will eat or roll in any thing and we spend plenty of time in the woods. It is the only way I can be sure they don't bring bugs in the house. I also ask for the 4DX for my pets. I was unlucky and found that one of my dogs has Lymes Disease after having the 4DX run the first time. Ask your vet which preventative is best for your pet.