CockersOnline Forum

Cocker Specific Discussion => Health => Topic started by: MIN on May 12, 2017, 10:23:48 AM

Title: tick bite
Post by: MIN on May 12, 2017, 10:23:48 AM
Found today a tick on the inside of gemma's ear.  near the lobe. the tick had disengaged itself just as i went to get it off. it has left a large red, sore looking lump.  Anything I can put on it or should I get vet advice.  gemma is not bothered by it

dont you just hate finding these things when darling dog has spent a rare night with us in bed as a treat
Title: Re: tick bite
Post by: Mari on May 12, 2017, 10:31:23 AM
How large are we talking? It's not uncommon to see a swelling at the site, like a bad pimple. It ususally scabs over and dissappears in a few days. You can treat it like you would a regular wound. I would typically clean it with some chlorhexidine. Keep an eye on the area for the bullseye pattern and if you feel unsure it's better to ask a vet to have a look at it :)

Ticks are the worst! I've had a few of them snack on me too, they are like spiders, but worse  >:(
Title: Re: tick bite
Post by: MIN on May 12, 2017, 10:34:15 AM
How large are we talking? It's not uncommon to see a swelling at the site, like a bad pimple. It ususally scabs over and dissappears in a few days. You can treat it like you would a regular wound. I would typically clean it with some clorhexidine. Keep an eye on the area for the bullseye pattern and if you feel unsure it's better to ask a vet to have a look at it :)

Ticks are the worst! I've had a few of them snack on me too, they are like spiders, but worse  >:(

as peas go it is more large marrowfat rather than garden  ph34r
Title: Re: tick bite
Post by: Mari on May 12, 2017, 10:43:01 AM
Ouch! Allthough I've noticed tick bites on the ears have more noticeable swellings than other places, maybe because there is so little tissue to expand into there. Could just be a small infection after the bite, and you would treat that like any other infection/wound. At least where I am there are so few tick borne diseases that unless the bullseye appears we don't go to the vet for a local infection post tick bite. But I can't say for sure if the recommendations are the same in your area, maybe someone else knows :)
Title: Re: tick bite
Post by: MIN on May 12, 2017, 10:55:42 AM
another question to be answered please.
 As we are now in " sheep roam free" zones what are the best tick collars etc
Title: Re: tick bite
Post by: bizzylizzy on May 12, 2017, 11:33:56 AM
another question to be answered please.
 As we are now in " sheep roam free" zones what are the best tick collars etc

Always a discussion for debate this as there are lots of options but all have pro's and cons so there's never an easy answer. We had a scalibor collar last year which seemed to work ok but I've decided to try coconut oil now as a healthier alternative however its early days yet, so can't draw any conclusions as to its effectiveness. I found a couple of dead ticks still hanging on last year, which although its good to know the collar works, the fact that the body's containing enough poison to actually kill them as soon as they bite, does make me a bit uneasy. On the other hand, the risk of disease can't be ignored either. They're a pain in the bum and although I know that theoretically ever creature has its role in natures big cycle, I've never yet figures out where ticks come in!!  >:D
Hope Gemma's ok - I'd agree with Mari, - clean, disinfect and just keep a close eye out! X
Title: Re: tick bite
Post by: Mari on May 12, 2017, 11:38:36 AM
There are many good ones, like seresto, advantix etc. I personally have seen the best effect with exspot (spot on) or scalibor (collar). Of course if you have cats that are friendly with the dog I would look at other options that are more cat friendly :) Whatever you choose, make sure they are the ones vets would recommend. There have been som scary side effects with some of the remedies pet shops sell.
Title: Re: tick bite
Post by: lescef on May 12, 2017, 11:40:45 AM
I used dilute hibiscrub last year when we had loads in Scotland.
Bramble had one drop off her recently -it was large! And I thought I'd checked her over. I feel like a bad Mum. :luv:
I'm very wary about using any chemicals on them. As we don't get many ticks I'd rather just remove them -if I find them! Not sure what I'd do in a highly populated area.
I can't see their purpose in the life cycle either!
Title: Re: tick bite
Post by: Mari on May 12, 2017, 11:51:53 AM


the fact that the body's containing enough poison to actually kill them as soon as they bite, does make me a bit uneasy.

The idea of it makes me uneasy too so I only use it when necessary. But with the spot ons and collars (the ones vets approve of) the poison stays in the skin, only tiny amounts will potentially be absorbed and will be hydrolysed and become harmless quickly. In other words, the body doesn't actually contain poison :) So as long as you follow instructions for use (and use safe products) there is nothing to worry about :)
Title: Re: tick bite
Post by: Jaysmumagain on May 12, 2017, 12:05:50 PM
Our last vet was all for Bravecto which I think is digested and when the tick feed it dies, he was reluctant to issue anything else, but I stuck with Advantix which I am using again this year.  Both need a prescription.
Title: Re: tick bite
Post by: Joules on May 12, 2017, 12:19:42 PM
If the tick has dropped off, there is no need to see the vet   ;)

There is usually a lump left behind after ticks drop off or are removed.  I just put a dab of tea tree oil on it - it will go down after a few days  ;)
Title: Re: tick bite
Post by: MIN on May 12, 2017, 12:57:09 PM
just found another  :020:
Title: Re: tick bite
Post by: Joules on May 12, 2017, 01:04:25 PM
just found another  :020:

Yes, it is tick season :dunno:

I have been taking them off my cats most days for the last month!  >:D
Title: Re: tick bite
Post by: bizzylizzy on May 12, 2017, 01:07:19 PM
If the tick has dropped off, there is no need to see the vet   ;)

There is usually a lump left behind after ticks drop off or are removed.  I just put a dab of tea tree oil on it - it will go down after a few days  ;)

Not quite sure Joules, even if the tick has fallen off, if it was infected, it could still cause problems, - the bull's eye pattern that Mari mentioned, is a sign if Borreliose - quite common here although I don't know how it is in UK. I use Tea Trea Oil for lots of things but OH can't tolerate it on his skin if I use it undiluted, brings him out in a nasty rash,  so its a good idea to thin it down!! ;)
Title: Re: tick bite
Post by: Joules on May 12, 2017, 01:22:30 PM
If the tick has dropped off, there is no need to see the vet   ;)

There is usually a lump left behind after ticks drop off or are removed.  I just put a dab of tea tree oil on it - it will go down after a few days  ;)
I use Tea Trea Oil for lots of things but OH can't tolerate it on his skin if I use it undiluted, brings him out in a nasty rash,  so its a good idea to thin it down!! ;)

Does your OH get a lot of ticks?  :shades: :005:  I use it neat, directly on the spot - never had a problem.

Title: Re: tick bite
Post by: bizzylizzy on May 12, 2017, 01:51:09 PM
If the tick has dropped off, there is no need to see the vet   ;)

There is usually a lump left behind after ticks drop off or are removed.  I just put a dab of tea tree oil on it - it will go down after a few days  ;)
I use Tea Trea Oil for lots of things but OH can't tolerate it on his skin if I use it undiluted, brings him out in a nasty rash,  so its a good idea to thin it down!! ;)

Does your OH get a lot of ticks?  :shades: :005:  I use it neat, directly on the spot - never had a problem.



(Well, he has had his fair share - he grew up in the Black Forest, they were part and parcel of childhood back in the 50's!! 😉) 😂😂
Title: Re: tick bite
Post by: TheAdventuresofBarnaby on May 12, 2017, 02:03:57 PM
Like Bizzylizzy,  lots of ticks and high prevalence of boreliose (sp?)also known as Lymes Disease  here too.  We're taught that the bullseye pattern and / or radiating  lines of discoloration of skin are the bad signs.

All of our cats and dogs are affected at the moment.  I've been known get one or two as well:-(  So far no bad infections though.

Its really only worthwhile disinfecting where a tick has been removed.  If the've already dropped off any infection will have already occurred.  I guess the swelling we see  is something to do with the anaesthetising spit the ticks inject to hide their presence.

Re Op question about what works as a deterrent,  we use Fronline plus on the cats,  and Barnaby the Cocker has a Bayer Seresto collar.

Title: Re: tick bite
Post by: sodpot2000 on May 12, 2017, 02:28:47 PM
A word too for apple cider vinegar. We use a lot of it in the chickens' drinking water to keep them free of red mite. You can dilute it and rub it into your dog's coat as a repellent, you can apply direct to the critter to make it drop off or, if you can get away with it you can put a drop in the dogs' drinking water. It seems to be generally good against most forms of blood sucking parasites.

[Might try pouring it on electioneering candidates  :005:]

It is generally good stuff. We use it ourselves to get through the colds and flu season.
Title: Re: tick bite
Post by: bizzylizzy on May 12, 2017, 05:03:53 PM
A word too for apple cider vinegar. We use a lot of it in the chickens' drinking water to keep them free of red mite. You can dilute it and rub it into your dog's coat as a repellent, you can apply direct to the critter to make it drop off or, if you can get away with it you can put a drop in the dogs' drinking water. It seems to be generally good against most forms of blood sucking parasites.

[Might try pouring it on electioneering candidates  :005:]

It is generally good stuff. We use it ourselves to get through the colds and flu season.

I like the sound of rubbing it into the coat - the coconut oil which I've been using does make the coat a bit claggy. I'ven read a lot about the health benefits for humans and have a teaspoon in a glass of water occasionally myself. How much do you put in the drinking water - about a teaspoon?
Tks!
Title: Re: tick bite
Post by: sodpot2000 on May 15, 2017, 01:14:48 PM
Quote
How much do you put in the drinking water - about a teaspoon?

Start with about a teaspoon and see if they will drink it. Quite a lot of info on the internet about cider vinegar both for humans and dogs. The good thing is - difficult to o/d!
Title: Re: tick bite
Post by: bizzylizzy on May 15, 2017, 02:21:08 PM
Quote
How much do you put in the drinking water - about a teaspoon?

Start with about a teaspoon and see if they will drink it. Quite a lot of info on the internet about cider vinegar both for humans and dogs. The good thing is - difficult to o/d!

👍 Thankyou!
Title: Re: tick bite
Post by: MIN on May 15, 2017, 05:00:33 PM
happy to say, Gemma's ear has returned to normal  ;)
Title: Re: tick bite
Post by: bizzylizzy on May 15, 2017, 06:45:37 PM
happy to say, Gemma's ear has returned to normal  ;)

👍