When you think of climate change, what are the first things you think of?
Polar bears? Ice caps melting? Hotter temperatures?
While, yes, those things do make sense to think of first, there’s actually a species of animal closer to home that is being significantly impacted by climate change. One of which is drastically smaller than a polar bear and can have deadly effects on both you and your pet. What animal could it be? Ticks!
Although it may not feel like it all the time, climate change does leave a direct impact on you & your pet’s health. With temperatures on the rise and for longer durations of time, ticks have the opportunity to be more present in more environments.
For over 19 years, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies at Millbrook, N.Y., has been conducting research on the relationship between the changes in tick behavior and global warming. Throughout their research, they have found evidence supporting that black-legged tick nymphs were feeding earlier in the spring.
The Ultimate Debby Downer
Ticks suck the life out of you and your pet’s fun. No, really, they suck blood in every stage of their life – larva, nymph, and adult. While ticks are born without the Borrelia burgorferi bacteria – the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, the tiny six-legged larval nymphs will seek out small mammals that do carry the bacteria. Once infected with the bacteria, ticks can then transmit the bacteria to humans — or dogs — in later stages of their life. And when that happens, all fun stops and it’s time to act fast.
When you have ticks, time is of the essence; that’s why it’s important to know these quick facts about their new behavioral patterns and how to treat them immediately.
Hot Facts:
- Ticks are emerging earlier to begin feasting
- Ticks are migrating to new geographic areas unseen before
- Ticks carrying Lyme disease are more present & treating Lyme disease is more than you would think
The Clock Is Tick-ing to Act Fast.
Protection starts with prevention:
- Treat the outside of your home with a yard spray. Check the label to ensure it kills fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and other parasites that frequent your area.
- Treat your pet with an approved flea and tick preventive every 30 days. Read the label and follow the instructions closely. Do not use a dog product on a cat or a cat product on a dog.
- After being outdoors, check yourself and your pet for ticks.