Pet owners prepare for tick season in Pocatello

According to the Community Animal Hospital in Pocatello, ticks in the spring and summer time have been especially bad the last two years.

As temperatures start to warm up, people head outside. But that also means pets and people could pick up ticks.

Ticks do not just bite pets, they will also bite humans. The problem with ticks, is they carry diseases, some of which can be life threatening to animals.

Anaplasmosis, lime disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever are just some of the diseases animals can get from ticks, according to the Community Animal Hospital manager, Brandie Jacobia.

Jacobia said the best way to prevent serious illnesses from ticks is prevention. However, she said to be weary of grocery store tick medicine as it can cause adverse side effects. While medicine from veterinary clinics may seem a little more expensive, there is usually rebates to off set the cost. Buying preventative tick medicine from a veterinarian can be a lot cheaper compared to treating your animal for a serious tick related illness.

Pet owners are encouraged to check their pets ears and bodies after a walk. If they do see ticks, they can either remove them themselves or bring the animal to a veterinarian clinic.