Sudden Increase in Dogs Bitten by Ticks: Reasons Explai

Rain

We all know that ticks can transmit various diseases, one of which is Lyme disease. In 2003, a disease researcher named Su San in the United States proposed the theory that "the size of rainfall is directly related to the incidence of Lyme disease." In 2005, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency directly stated that "the incidence of Lyme disease in arid regions is lower than in humid regions."

Multiple studies have found a definitive link between precipitation and the incidence of Lyme disease. In years with very little rainfall, the incidence of Lyme disease plummets dramatically; conversely, in years with excessive rainfall, the incidence of Lyme disease spikes.

Ticks prefer to thrive in environments with high humidity (85%), and they only become active to feed when temperatures are above 7 degrees Celsius, entering a state of hibernation below that threshold. This means that the heavier the rain, the higher the air humidity, and the more likely ticks are to become active and seek hosts.

Heat

We've mentioned temperature before. While 7 degrees Celsius is a relatively easy threshold to reach, for ticks, it's the winter temperatures that matter more. One of their favorite hosts is the mouse, which, although it doesn't hibernate in winter, reduces its outdoor activity due to the cold.

This means that during mild winters, mice are more likely to venture out. Since mice don't use tools to remove ticks from their bodies, mild winters can significantly increase the tick population the following year. Imagine a swarm of ticks traveling with mice, feasting on their blood and then moving on to the next stage of their life cycle, waiting in various corners for their next host.

The warm winter of 2019, coupled with the heavy rains of 2020, led to a surge in active ticks attacking both humans and dogs.

Teammates

We've discussed mice as ticks' best teammates. Here's something else you should know. We all know that heavy rains after a drought can lead to lush vegetation, and the roots of these weeds can provide a comfortable living environment for mice, ensuring a higher population during the summer months.

The more mice survive the summer, the more offspring will be born in the winter. This means that ticks have more allies. In addition to regular deworming, here are some tips to consider:

1. Stick to familiar areas when walking your dog.

Most communities perform regular weed removal, deworming, and rodent control. If you've read the above information carefully, you'll understand that these efforts are closely related to the prevalence of ticks.

2. Avoid secluded spots.

It's important to be mindful of where you walk your dog, especially during the hottest times of the day. Steer clear of remote areas where ticks might be abundant, particularly in regions that have recently experienced heavy rainfall.

3. Don't rely solely on deworming medications.

Deworming medications are effective, but no medication guarantees 100% effectiveness. Ticks can find numerous ways to reach you, and sometimes, a strong wind might carry a tick from the roof to your dog. So, while deworming medications are essential, they are not a onesizefitsall solution.

4. Develop a good habit.

One of the most common oversights is to "check your dog's body when you come home." It may seem like a hassle, but once you get into the habit, it doesn't take much time. Especially for those living in the Guangdong and Guangxi regions, where the number of tick bites on dogs has been rising sharply, this habit is crucial.

By staying vigilant and maintaining a careful approach, you can help protect your furry friend from tick bites.