Penn Veterinary Supply, Inc. - Since 1981

By Dr. Leigh Hofmeister

Finally – warm weather and more time outside for the dogs in our care! However, that also means increased risk of exposure to those nasty pests. Help your clients watch out for ticks, no matter their region.

Warm weather is upon us! With spring here, families are gearing up for outdoor play with their pups. Many clients enjoy traveling at this time of year and do not intend to leave their pets behind. With vector borne disease on the rise, it is important to discuss with our clients what their dogs will be exposed to while traveling and at their final destination. Tick-borne diseases have been found in every state, but evaluating the risk placed on a dog by region is extremely beneficial in helping owners understand the threat to pets.

Northeast

The northeastern United States has always been a hotbed for Lyme disease and continues to produce a staggering number of cases in both canines and humans every year. The number of cases of Lyme disease in the United States has continually increased, tripling since 2020 according to the CDC. While Lyme disease is not a new concern, we cannot forget the impact this disease has on people and pets.

In addition to increased Lyme cases, ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis are on the rise in this region. In Rhode Island, cases of ehrlichiosis in dogs have increased almost 28%. In Vermont, the number of dogs positive for anaplasmosis have increased by 22% (CAPC) just since 2020. Preventative measures must be taken for families that live in and travel to this area of the country. Discussing with clients the severity of these diseases and the possibility of illness in canine (and human) family members is imperative.

Midwest and South-Central

While the Northeast shows a significant increase in the three most common tick-borne diseases (Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis) as well as the introduction of the Asian longhorned tick, the neighboring Midwestern states also show evidence of these diseases spreading. While this area of the country isn’t typically one we think about when discussing vector borne disease, it needs to be. Lyme disease has increased by over 45% in the state of Ohio since 2020. The numbers are astonishing, and with neighboring states like West Virginia showing over a 41% increase in Lyme disease since 2020, we know the disease is spreading.

Moving south through the Midwest, ehrlichiosis is seen as a significant threat to the South-Central United States. In 2020, Missouri, Arkansas, Virginia, and New York accounted for more than 50% of reported cases of ehrlichiosis in humans. Several ticks can transmit ehrlichiosis to dogs, but the spread of this disease is often due to the Brown Dog Tick because it spends its entire life cycle on the dog. According to CAPC, the seroprevalence of ehrlichia in dogs is forecasted to increase this year in this area (specifically Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Missouri). It is crucial to discuss ehrlichiosis with our clients, educating families about how the disease is transmitted and how it presents: mimicking other diseases and fatal if not caught and treated in time.

Southeast

The Southeast, my favorite place to visit, has become an area of great concern for our pets. Humidity and warmth allow for the threat of disease to be present no matter what time of year. South Carolina, specifically, has seen an increase in both Lyme disease and anaplasmosis in the past year. Because the Southeast maintains a warmer climate, ehrlichiosis is also a constant threat in this region. When traveling to the Southeast, even if just driving through, be aware that the three most common vector borne disease are not only present but increasing here.

West Coast

California is not typically thought of as an area where ticks are prevalent. The dry air is discouraging to many parasites, but the region is not disease free! Anaplasmosis remains a valid threat in California, and there is strong concern over the spread of ehrlichiosis and even Lyme disease. Pockets of ticks are popping up in popular parks and hiking grounds. As you move north on the West Coast into Oregon and Seattle, the weather becomes more favorable for ticks and tick-borne disease.

So what steps should we take this spring?

- As patients enter our clinics for their annual exams and travel health certificates, take time to discuss summer plans.
- Do not forget to perform annual screening tests for vector borne disease.
- Use screening test results to provide education to the family encouraging them to take preventative measures to ensure the best health for their furry family member.
- Offer the Lyme disease vaccine to dogs with current and past exposure as an added layer of defense.
- Evaluate each pet’s prevention protocol by discussing the threats present across the USA, remembering some dogs do need more than one product.
- Consider recommending a product like Provecta Advanced for Dogs, that not only kills fleas and ticks, but also repels them.

Spending time talking with your pet families, understanding their summer plans, and helping them evaluate the true risk of vector borne disease as it applies to their lifestyle will help enrich your client-doctor relationship as well as provide the best protection for your patients!

About the Author:

Dr. Leigh Hofmeister is the creator and author of the blog My Vet + Me, at www.myvetandme.com, and she speaks frequently about pet health issues. She was born in Atlanta, Georgia, and graduated from Clemson University (BS, Animal Sciences) and the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. She completed her clinical studies at Oklahoma State University and has been working in small animal private practice since.