2018 Tick Season is Here

May 31, 2018 - Cleveland, OH - According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2018 is expected to be one of the worst tick seasons to date. To help pet parents prepare, Embrace Pet Insurance has put together some tips on how to protect pets from these pests, as well as some real-life examples of what can happen if a pet does come down with a tick-borne illness.

Ticks can carry Lyme Disease, which can be very dangerous for dogs, as in the case of this mixed-breed pup who racked up several thousand dollars in vet bills from a Lyme diagnosis. There are also numerous other tick-borne diseases that are commonly seen in the U.S. that can affect dogs including Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, which this Cocker Spaniel came down with while on a trip with her family. Life-threatening complications and a five-day hospital stay led to more than $15,000 in veterinary bills. Luckily, both dogs were protected by Embrace, so they were able to get the veterinary care needed without their owners having to stress about the costs.

What can pet owners do to keep pets safe during tick season? Avoiding tick-heavy areas, including tall grass and wooded areas, can significantly decrease the risk of crossing paths with tick-borne diseases. Talking to a veterinarian to see if the Lyme vaccine is appropriate for a furry companion is also recommended; if they spend time outdoors, chances are they might be a good candidate for it. While it's true that ticks are more active during warmer months, that does not mean they disappear when temperatures drop. In fact, ticks can be found still very much alive in temperatures as low as 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Dogs should be given a thorough look over after playing outside or going on a walk, to make sure an unwanted tick didn't catch a ride home. Last, but certainly not least, use a vet-recommended tick preventative. It can take between two to five months for symptoms of tick-borne illness to even begin to show, so prevention is crucial in keeping pets safe. Tick prevention products come in several forms, including a chew or tablet, a collar, or a topical method, all of which can be claimed for reimbursement under an Embrace Wellness Rewards plan.

Embrace360 eliminates the paperwork that complicates the pet insurance process, taking valuable time away from patient care. Electronic claims submission at the time of service simplifies pet insurance for the hospital and makes it more appealing to pet parents.

A pet owner finds a tick on their dog, what now? If a pet parent does find a tick on their four-legged friend, it's important to take quick, but careful action. Clean the area with rubbing alcohol first, then get as close to the head of the tick as possible with a pair of sharp, pointy tweezers and pull straight up. Make sure to clean the area again with more rubbing alcohol to sanitize it. If the dog is not on a regular tick preventative, it's never a bad idea to check in with a veterinarian.

What are possible symptoms of tick-borne illness? If a dog starts showing symptoms including fever, loss of appetite, lameness, joint swelling, or unusual behavior/not acting like themselves, pet owners should take their dog to the vet right away.

About Embrace Pet Insurance

Embrace Pet Insurance is a top-rated pet health insurance provider for dogs and cats in the United States. Embrace offers one simple yet comprehensive accident and illness insurance plan that is underwritten by American Modern Insurance Group, Inc. In addition to insurance, Embrace offers Wellness Rewards, an optional preventative care product that is unique to the industry. Wellness Rewards reimburses for routine veterinary visits, grooming, vaccinations, training, and much more with no itemized limitations. Embrace is a proud member of the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA) and continues to innovate and improve the pet insurance experience for pet parents across the country. For more information about Embrace Pet Insurance, visit www.embracepetinsurance.com or call (800) 511-9172