Summer means more time spent outdoors with your dogs, but it could also mean that your four-legged friend is bringing home some unwelcome guests. If left undetected, ticks can infect both the canine and human members of your family. Below, learn more about the communicable diseases they carry and how you can be proactive with pest control.

3 Types of Disease Ticks May Carry

1. Lyme

This is the disease most commonly associated with ticks, and it can be transmitted to dogs, cats, and humans. Spread by deer ticks, this disease may manifest itself in fever, swollen joints or lymph nodes, and heart problems in more severe cases. In humans, Lyme may cause fatigue and fever, as well as joint and heart pain. For successful transmission, ticks must usually be attached for at least 48 hours, so check yourself and your pets after hikes and while taking showers.

2. Anaplasmosis

This is usually carried by deer ticks or western black-legged ticks. In dogs and cats, you may notice vomiting, diarrhea, and painful joints in the weeks after infection. In humans, the symptoms include fever, heavy headaches, vomiting, and diarrhea. If left untreated, the bacteria can cause respiratory or organ failure. Talk to a veterinarian about preventive measures—in the form of flea and tick pills or pest-repellant collars. Additionally, brush your pet regularly, examining their fur for signs of infestation.

3. American Canine Hepatozoonosis (ACH)

Unlike other tick-borne diseases, this infection is spread when dogs ingest a carrier instead of when they are bitten. This may happen while dogs are grooming themselves. This infection is severe, and often deadly—symptoms may include fever, weight and appetite loss, and muscular atrophy. If you notice any of these signs, take them to a veterinarian immediately. Afterward, arrange for thorough pest control of your home and yard to prevent any other incidents.

As you can see, ticks and the bacteria they carry are nothing to mess with. If you spot one, there might be more, so turn to the pest control experts at All Service for help. Serving Seguin, San Marcos, Schertz, and New Braunfels, TX, they specialize in protecting your home from a wide range of insects, like ticks, wasps, termites, and more. To learn more about their tick prevention process, visit them online. Call (830) 626-2847 to schedule service.