HAGERSTOWN, MD- Ticks are smaller than a poppy seed and cause a lot of worrying after summertime hikes in the woods.
When the weather turns colder, however, they're still a danger.
"If you started off with one tick in April that tick may become thousands of ticks by the time September comes around," says Dr. Ben Byers, veterinarian at Park Circle Hospital in Hagerstown.
All it takes is one bite of an infected tick to get lyme disease.
"Ticks are harder to kill than fleas," says Dr. Byers.
That's why they're able to live longer. Although deer are known to be the fastest transmitters, dogs are at high risk of getting Lyme Disease this season.
"Dogs go out and they're among the trees and tall grass and everything that they pick up ticks," says Dr. Byers. "Specifically it's the deer tick, or black legged tick, that carry lyme disease."
Veterinarians are still encouraging all pet owners to take their dog out for exercise, but they recommend to check for ticks before getting back home.
"Too many of us are spending time on the chairs and couches so we're better getting out and walking and just trying to prevent the things that could happen," says Dr. Byers.
A prevention that can spare some pain.
Veterinarians recommend putting the tick in some rubbing alcohol to prevent the spread of Lyme Disease.
"If you started off with one tick in April that tick may become thousands of ticks by the time September comes around," says Dr. Ben Byers, veterinarian at Park Circle Hospital in Hagerstown.
All it takes is one bite of an infected tick to get lyme disease.
"Ticks are harder to kill than fleas," says Dr. Byers.
That's why they're able to live longer. Although deer are known to be the fastest transmitters, dogs are at high risk of getting Lyme Disease this season.
"Dogs go out and they're among the trees and tall grass and everything that they pick up ticks," says Dr. Byers. "Specifically it's the deer tick, or black legged tick, that carry lyme disease."
Veterinarians are still encouraging all pet owners to take their dog out for exercise, but they recommend to check for ticks before getting back home.
"Too many of us are spending time on the chairs and couches so we're better getting out and walking and just trying to prevent the things that could happen," says Dr. Byers.
A prevention that can spare some pain.
Veterinarians recommend putting the tick in some rubbing alcohol to prevent the spread of Lyme Disease.
