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Some people gave up alcohol for dry January last month.  But, if they were living in the Algarve, they would not have  experienced similar weather.  

With the rain and the sun and the rain and the sun, we are  expecting our cute little arachnid friends to return soon. Not  the cuddly scorpion, nor the fluffy spiders, but rather the  endearing and ever-so-cute TICKS. Yes, those no-headed,  eight-legged charming blood-suckers are heading to a pet  near you.  

As well as being pleasing to the eye and touch, ticks in the  Algarve carry delightful, deadly diseases in their salivary  glands. There are a number of organisms that they can carry  and transmit to their varied hosts. These hosts include  dogs, cats, horses and humans (!) – I know a few clients who  have been in hospital with Borreliosis (or Lymes disease)  and it doesn’t sound like my idea of fun.

The diseases ticks spread in animals cause symptoms  ranging from general malaise and inappetence to anaemia,  anal seepage and death … all in time for Valentine’s Day!

OK, you got me, the second one is a very  uncommon clinical finding and, yes, I just threw it in for comical effect.  

But wait … there are ways to protect your pet from these  little (blood) suckers. There are collars, spot-ons and tablets  available to help you and your furry mate. This author finds  that new-age tablets work the best for tick prevention. I  am not allowed to name any brands by law, so they include  Bravecto, Credelio, Nexgard and Simparica. They are all  similar in their efficacy. Bravecto is the only one that lasts  for three months, so we tend to promote it.  

There are other disease vectors heading your way this  springtime. Make sure to tune in next month for another  riveting instalment on parasites.  

Go on and have a lovely Valentine’s Day, whether it be  with your lover, your family, your pet, your kids, on your  own, or covered in ticks. Just don’t confuse these various  categories, they are distinctly different. 

Please contact us if you would like any further information.