Ought to You Defend Your Canine From Ticks in Washington State?
Though ticks aren’t as prevalent as they’re on the east coast, defending your canine from ticks in Washington state remains to be necessary.
Tick bites used to solely be a priority in case you lived on the east aspect of Washington State, the place ticks have all the time been encountered commonly, however that has modified within the final decade.
Now, it’s a must to be cautious regardless of the place within the state you might be.
I grew up in Western Washington and solely noticed one tick on my canine as a child. And we spent a whole lot of time enjoying outside and within the woods.
Then, about 10 years in the past, my canine acquired bit by a tick in considered one of Seattle’s city parks.
Since then, I’ve seen an growing variety of folks in Western Washington reporting ticks on their canine.
Since I’ve lived in Washington State for many years, and have been mountaineering with my canine right here for 20 years, I do know the historical past of ticks in our state and the way they’ve unfold in addition to the native dangers.
On this article, I’ll share what I do know in hopes of serving to people who simply moved right here or are visiting from one other space.
Why You Must Defend Your Canine From Ticks
Along with ticks being actually creepy and gross, a tick chew will be harmful.
Ticks carry many ailments that they’ll go alongside to people and animals.
Luckily, compared to different areas of the USA, comparatively few tick-borne illness instances are reported annually within the Pacific Northwest.
In accordance with the Washington State Division of Well being (DOH), ticks in Washington State can unfold ailments equivalent to:
- Lyme Illness
- Anaplasmosis
- Tick-borne Relapsing Fever
- Rocky Mountain Noticed Fever
- Tick Paralysis
- Tularemia
- Babesiosis
- Ehrlichiosis
Of the tick borne ailments above identified to be current in Washington State, the one ones present in people, who haven’t been uncovered to ticks outdoors of Washington State, are babesiosis, lyme illness, tick-borne relapsing fever, Rocky Mountain Noticed Fever, and Tularemia.
Reported data for canine and tick-bourne ailments in Washington State is sparse.
Word: this might have extra to do with the truth that Canine Lyme borreliosis will not be a reportable illness than precise quantity instances.
This Seattle authorities doc solely calls out Lyme illness and Anaplasmosis (bolded above) as being detected in canine in Washington State.
As well as, s 2021 article by an Everett, WA veterinarian says that the commonest tick-borne ailments recognized in canine within the Pacific Northwest embody Canine Bartonellosis (this wasn’t listed on the WA DOH Web site, may be very uncommon, and that is the one point out I’ve seen of it so it’s not on the listing above), Lyme Illness, Anaplasmosis, Ehrlichiosis and Rocky Mountain Noticed Fever.
I couldn’t discover any instances of tick paralysis in canine in Washington State however a number of instances are present in llamas and alpacas annually in Washington State (supply).
The underside line is {that a} canine in Washington State can doubtlessly contract any of the above tick-bourne ailments however they’re uncommon.
For extra particulars in regards to the ailments listed above, take a look at the Washington State Division of Well being web site.
Lyme Illness in Washington State
Despite the fact that I touched on Lyme illness above, I wish to present extra details about it because it’s probably the most prevalent tick borne illness in the USA and the one folks concern probably the most.
You most likely marvel if Washington State has ticks with Lyme illness.
The reply is unquestionably sure, though the stories of Lyme illness in canine in Washington State are drastically decrease than in some areas of the nation just like the east coast.
Every year, solely 0-7 confirmed Lyme illness instances per yr are reported to be acquired in Washington in people (supply).
Sure, I do know that is human instances, and the numbers for canine may fluctuate, however like I stated above, I can’t discover particular reported numbers for canine in Washington State regardless of hours of analysis.
Based mostly on the lack of know-how supplied on this canine loving state (some may say canine obsessed), and what my vet has informed me prior to now, the variety of case numbers of Lyme illness in canine in Washington are additionally very low.
To again this assertion, this ticks in Seattle article by an area veterinarian, M. Donovan, says, “We’ve got all heard of Lyme illness, which is comparatively uncommon right here…”
The article above was written in 2018 although so it’s doable that the instances of Lyme illness in canine in Washington State have elevated by then.
Nonetheless, there has not been an explosion of instances so the numbers are nonetheless comparatively low.
Word: People bitten by ticks in Washington State usually tend to contract tick-borne relapsing fever in Washington State than Lyme Illness.
Curiously sufficient, though there are fewer ticks in Western Washington, this King County Lyme Illness data web page says, “In Washington state [Lyme disease] happens primarily within the western half of the state.”
My guess is as a result of the deer tick is the commonest on the west aspect of the state and in addition the commonest tick in Washington to transmit Lyme illness (see the part under).
Two essential issues to find out about Lyme illness are:
- A tick should chew an animal to transmit Lyme illness
- Generally, a tick have to be hooked up for 36 to 48 hours to be able to transmit Lyme illness (supply) and have “taken a blood meal”.
Which means in case you discover a tick in your canine that has not bit them but, the prospect of transmitting Lyme illness is zero.
If a tick hasn’t sucked blood out of your canine but (as evidenced by its swollen physique), and/or it hasn’t been hooked up for over 24 hours, it’s most unlikely to unattainable that your canine will contract Lyme illness.
Learn under to see which Washington State ticks are most definitely to transmit Lyme illness to your canine if bitten.
What Type of Ticks Might Chunk Your Canine in Washington State?
There are 4 species of ticks generally present in Washington State.
Western Black Legged Tick
Western black-legged ticks (additionally referred to as deer ticks) are primarily present in Western Washington, and alongside the jap slopes of the Cascade Mountains, in forested or brushy areas.
This tick is most simply recognized by its reddish-orange physique, black defend and darkish black legs
Western black-legged ticks can transmit Lyme illness. They’ll additionally transmit Anaplasmosis.
Western Canine Tick
The Western Canine Tick, typically additionally known as the American Canine Tick, will be discovered throughout Washington, however is discovered primarily in jap Washington and elements of southwest Washington.
The American canine tick have a darkish brown physique. Females have an off-white defend, whereas grownup males look extra mottled.
They like woodland areas, medium peak grasses and shrubs between wetlands and woods, and sunny or open areas round woods.
It’s widespread to seek out larvae and nymphs (very tiny, early phases) of those ticks in your canine.
The American Canine Tick transmits Tularemia and Rocky Mountain noticed fever.
Rocky Mountain Wooden Tick
The Rocky Mountain Wooden Tick is discovered totally on the jap aspect of Washington State. They give the impression of being similar to American Canine ticks.
They like woodland areas, medium peak grasses and shrubs between wetlands and woods, and sunny or open areas alongside the sting of woods.
Rocky Mountain Wooden ticks can transmit Rocky Mountain noticed fever and tularemia.
Smooth Tick
Smooth ticks are primarily encountered when sleeping in rustic cabins or yurts in mountainous areas the place rodent encounters are widespread.
Smooth ticks wouldn’t have a tough shell and are formed like a big raisin.
Smooth ticks can transmit tick-borne relapsing fever.
As a result of mushy ticks normally feed at night time. As a result of the bites are fast and painless, and so they stay hooked up for a really brief time, most individuals by no means notice a tick bit them.
Though the Washington State Division of Well being doesn’t listing it as a standard Washington State tick on their web site, I’ve additionally discovered proof that Brown Canine ticks are additionally present in Washington.
The brown canine tick is a reddish brown with a slim form compared to different ticks and doesn’t have a defend/disk close to the top.
The Brown Canine tick can transmit Rocky Mountain noticed fever.
*the data above was compiled from the Washington State Division of Well being, LymeDisease.org, and the CDC.
Of the ticks listed above, the commonest ticks on canine in Washington State are the Black Legged Tick (Deer Tick), Rocky Mountain wooden tick, and American Canine Tick.
Please not that particular person ticks inside a species could look diferent relying on life stage and gener. For extra tick photographs, see HERE and HERE.
How Dangerous Are Ticks in Washington State?
Ticks positively dwell in Washington State. How dangerous they’re will depend on the place within the state you’re looking although.
Though they’ve been discovered on canine and other people, and the incidence is growing, ticks aren’t widespread in Western Washington.
I’d say ticks aren’t dangerous in Western Washington and I really feel very protected there with out tick safety.
Ticks are quite common in central and jap Washington although.
Though there’s much less of an issue with ticks as on the east coast, it’s nonetheless necessary to imagine you or your canine could decide up a tick when mountaineering these areas and take precautions.
Tick season in Washington State is spring by means of summer season into early fall (Apri-September). That is when ticks are ample in central and jap Washington.
Simply because that is the commonest time to seek out them, doesn’t imply your canine can’t decide up a tick at different occasions of the yr although, particularly in Western Washington the place winter temperatures are extra gentle.
How To Defend Your Canine From Ticks
Disclosure: A number of the hyperlinks on this article are affiliate hyperlinks (Amazon Affiliate or different packages we take part in). As an affiliate, I earn a small fee from qualifying purchases.
Tick prevention is one of the simplest ways to protect you and your canine from contracting tick-borne ailments.
A tick can solely transmit the illness in the event that they chew so holding them off of your canine is vital.
To attenuate the prospect of your canine choosing up, or getting bitten by, ticks:
- Preserve them on the path and out of the comb
- Verify them completely for ticks throughout your hike, as soon as you come back to the automobile, and once you return residence
- Use a month-to-month topical, or chewable, flea and tick preventative
- Spray them down with a pet-safe insect repellent as well as (optionally available)
- Tie an insect repellent bandana round their neck to weblog the scruffy fur on the again of their neck the place ticks wish to burrow
I all the time do the primary three of those with my canine throughout tick season.
Once I examine my canine for ticks, I really feel everywhere in the physique with my fingers. I consider the ares the place ticks are most definitely to cover like again of neck, inside ears, between paw pads, in arm pits, and within the groin space (suppose darkish and heat).
My favourite tick repellants are Vectra 3D and K9 Advantix II as a result of they really repel ticks (most solely kill them after biting) and so they work on a number of completely different species of ticks (most solely shield from one).
The insect repellent bandana presents somewhat additional safety for one of many ticks favourite hiding locations – the again of the neck – however typically the climate is just too scorching for my canine to put on one.
What To Do If Your Canine Will get Bit By A Tick
In the event you discover a tick hooked up to your canine, don’t panic.
You possibly can select to go to the vet however you don’t need to (go if you’re in any respect involved although).
Take away the tick utilizing a pair of tweezers just like the TickEase Twin-Tipped Tick Remover Tweezers.
DO NOT burn it, twist it, or smother it; that may trigger it to spit extra saliva into your canine, which carries any ailments a tick could have.
Watch this video for the right technique to take away a tick.
It’s all the time a good suggestion to wipe the chew space with alcohol to sterilize it after the tick has been eliminated.
In the event you attempt to take away the tick however the head remains to be caught in your canine, examine my expertise right here.
Place the tick in a sealed container and put it within the freezer to kill it.
Preserve the tick for a minimum of a few weeks whilst you preserve an eye fixed out for any indicators and signs of lyme illness or sickness.
Take note of how your canine is performing and name your vet instantly in case you see indicators that your canine may not be feeling effectively.
By holding the tick, it’s also possible to examine it nearer and use this tick identification information to assist establish what kind it’s, ship some data and a image to Tick Spotters for identification, or mail it to a laboratory that does tick testing and identification.
Figuring out what kind of tick you or your canine had been bitten by can let you know what widespread ailments that species of tick carries in your space.
Widespread Questions on Ticks within the Pacific Northwest
Beneath are some widespread questions folks ask relating to ticks in Washington State and the Pacific Northwest.
Can Canine get ticks in Washington?
On this article, we’ve established the reply to this query is sure.
In my expertise, a canine is extra more likely to get ticks on them than people.
Causes for this embody complacency of the proprietor in terms of tick safety for his or her canine, the truth that people can cowl most of our physique with clothes to stop ticks from getting on us, canine usually tend to wander away path and thru the comb or grass, canine hair tends to “comp” ticks off of vegetation.
Are ticks widespread within the Pacific Northwest?
In lots of areas west of the Cascade Mountains, it’s common to come across ticks.
Tick sightings are considerably fewer on the west aspect of the Cascade Mountains alongside the Pacific Coast however they’re current and the variety of sightings has elevated considerably within the final 10 years.
Does Washington State have a tick downside?
Are ticks current in Washington? Sure.
Does this pose a “downside”? Sure, within the sense that nobody likes to find these nasty blood suckers on themselves or their canine nor do they wish to get sick from being bit.
Whether or not ticks are thought of an issue in Washington State is all relative although.
I’d think about the prevalence of ticks, and Lyme Illness, on the East coast an issue.
As a result of instances of tick-borne ailments in Washington State are considerably much less, personally I’d not say Washington has a “tick downside”.
What sort of ticks are present in Spokane Washington?
Spokane, one of many largest cities on the east aspect of Washington State, is on the border of Washington and Idaho.
Particularly, the border of northern Idaho.
So chances are you’ll be questioning if there are completely different ticks present in Spokane than the remainder of Washtinton state as a result of they’ve migrated from Idaho.
Ticks present in northern Idaho are Rocky Mountain Wooden Ticks, Brown Canine Ticks, and American Canine Ticks, and Western Blacklegged Ticks – the identical ticks present in Washington State.
For the reason that ticks present in jap Washington, the place Spokane is positioned, and in northern Idaho, any ticks that migrate throughout the border are the identical species as present in Washington State.
One attention-grabbing word is that the Spokane Regional Well being District says “This illness is transmitted to animals and people by blacklegged ticks (picture proper), often known as deer ticks, contaminated with the micro organism. Blacklegged ticks (which transmit Lyme Illness) aren’t native to the Spokane space and don’t dwell in Spokane County.”
Ought to I’m going to the vet if my canine has a tick?
Any time you might have a well being concern, please take your canine to the vet.
I’m not a veterinarian and am solely sharing data from analysis and private expertise right here to assist inform you.
As said above, in case you merely discover a tick crawling in your canine (unattached), it’s not doable for that tick to unfold illness and it’s simply eliminated together with your fingers.
If the tick was solely crawling round on my canine’s physique, there could be completely no concert events and I’d not take my canine to the vet.
In the event you discover a tick hooked up to your canine, and that is your first expertise, I do suppose taking your canine to the vet will be useful.
Your vet can speak to you in regards to the present instances they’re seeing in Washington State, and common dangers of tick bites in your canine, to ease your thoughts.
They will even instruct you what indicators and signs of tick-borne ailments to look out for.
Upon getting been by means of this expertise as soon as, chances are you’ll determine a vet go to will not be obligatory each time your canine is bit by a tick.
Simply take away it and preserve it within the freezer in case your canine begins to behave sick so the tick will be despatched in for testing.
What if I attempt to remnove the tick however I don’t get all of it?
This occurred to me once I tried to take away a tick from my canine with tweezers when it wasn’t engorged.
I paniced at first nevertheless it seems that it’s not an enormous deal.
Learn this text to seek out out what occurred, and what I realized, when the tick head acquired caught in my canine.
How is Lyme illness in canine handled?
As soon as your pet has been recognized with Lyme illness, it may be handled with oral antibiotics which are administered each day for a interval of 4 weeks.
In case your canine can be experiencing joint ache, your veterinarian could prescribe an anti-inflammatory.
If the illness has progressed to the purpose of inflicting kidney injury, extra highly effective antibiotics may be obligatory, and hospitalization will be required.
Last Ideas About Canine and Ticks in Washington State
Ticks are gross and you need to do every thing you’ll be able to to stop them from getting on and biting your canine.
The one technique to assure your canine doesn’t get an sickness or illness from any tick that will get on them is to take away it earlier than they chew.
Ticks aren’t a significant situation in Western Washington so that you don’t want to fret as a lot about them there. Fleas are a means larger situation in Western Washington.
Chances are you’ll wish to use a preventative in your canine in case you dwell or spend time in Western Washington for that cause, particularly spring by means of late fall.
Coincidentally, most flea repellents additionally deal with ticks so you’ll be protecting each bases.
Ticks are positively extra of an issue in central and jap Washington.
Throughout tick season, it’s finest to take the entire precautions you’ll be able to to stop ticks and tick bites.
