They’re baaaack — those miserable, disgusting parasites that we all love to hate.  It happens every spring as soon as the warm weather appears.  The dreaded wood tick has returned and will soon be joined by swarms of mosquitoes, fleas and biting black flies.

Ticks are not just a nuisance

Of course, nobody likes picking ticks off their dog, but the biggest threat wood ticks pose is transmitting an infection to Fido.

Generally, the deer tick is the one that causes Lyme Disease.  Symptoms of Lyme Disease can include shifting lameness (limping on different legs), arthritis type signs (stiffness, pain and reluctance to move), overall fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss and ultimately, kidney failure and even death.

Other infections spread by wood ticks include Anaplasmosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Ehrlichiosis and Babesia.  And don’t forget, humans are at risk, too, so it’s wise to keep ticks off your dog and lessen the chance that they’ll crawl onto you!

Protection is easy

Luckily, there is a simple and easy way to protect your dog from ticks.  Here at Star Prairie Vet Clinic, we are recommending Vectra 3D.

Vectra 3D repels and kills wood ticks, fleas, mosquitoes and black biting flies.

It’s patented no drip no splash applicator guarantees accurate and complete dosing.

The fast-acting ingredient kills on contact, and fleas and ticks don’t need to bite to be affected.

It lasts for 30 days, and remains effective even after bathing and swimming!