Ticks are one of our most resilient little insects, and as the climate warms, both their distribution and the risks they pose are changing. To best protect our four-legged friends, we need to understand how ticks work, what diseases they actually spread, and what modern veterinary medicine can offer in terms of protection.
Expansion and an extended season
Ticks used to be considered a distinct summer phenomenon, but that is no longer the case. Ticks come to life as soon as the temperature reaches 4–5 degrees. Due to milder winters, we are now seeing a tick season that in large parts of the country extends from early March all the way into November..
In addition, the tick population is steadily moving north. The common tick is now found in almost all of Sweden, and we are also seeing new species migrating in from the south, which places greater demands on vigilance on pet owners throughout the country..
Diseases and statistics: What do the numbers say?
The most common diseases that ticks transmit to our pets are Anaplasma and Borrelia. However, it is important to remember that a tick bite does not automatically mean disease.
- Anaplasma: This is a bacterial disease that often causes symptoms such as high fever, fatigue, lameness and joint pain. Many animals in Sweden have antibodies to Anaplasma, which means that they have been infected but that the immune system has dealt with it. Many recover without treatment, but severe symptoms require veterinary care.
- Lyme disease: Is more common in dogs than cats. It can cause walking lameness, fever, and a general debility. It is estimated that approximately 10–30 % of the ticks on the Borrelia bacteria, but it is usually necessary for the tick to remain attached for over a day for the infection to be transmitted.
- TBE in animals: Unlike humans, clinical TBE is uncommon in our pets. Although dogs can produce antibodies, it is rare for them to develop serious disease. There is currently no approved TBE vaccine for dogs or cats.
Vaccine against Lyme disease – How does it work?
There is now a vaccine against Borrelia specifically for dogs. It is a common misconception that the vaccine replaces tick repellent, but this is not the case.
The vaccine works by causing the dog to produce antibodies. When the tick sucks blood, it absorbs these antibodies, which then neutralize the bacteria inside the tick before they can be transferred to the dog. Vaccination is seen as a supplementary protection, especially for dogs that spend a lot of time in tick-infested areas or tall grass.
Modern diagnostics and accessibility
By using modern diagnostics and offering convenient solutions for testing – for example, directly at home or at local clinics – tick-borne diseases can be detected earlier.. This enables faster initiation of the correct treatment, which reduces the risk of long-term problems..
Do you need help with tick protection or advice? Are you unsure which tick repellent is best for your pet, or do you suspect that your friend has become ill after a bite? We at Vetathome are happy to help you with prescription renewal, testing or a general health check. We offer safe and modern care on the animals' terms – whether it is via a home visit or at one of our clinics.
