Deer Ticks Out Early This Year

MINNEAPOLIS - Despite the freeze that is expected this weekend, that won't knock out the deer ticks that have already hatched during our early thaw. And that could mean trouble for pets.

Veterinarians expect to see tick-related illness in their offices very soon. Just like spring, tick season has arrived early. With warm weather getting here slightly ahead of schedule, all varieties of ticks have hatched and are looking to latch on to unprotected pets.

Dr. Donnell Hansen is not surprised ticks are out a little early this year. Though she hasn't treated any diseased dogs just yet, she knows they will be coming.

“Drinking more water, urinating more after having trouble walking lameness those are important things to go see your vet about,” said Hansen.

Get your tick medication on your pets now. Don't forget deer ticks can infect people as well.
You can usually tell if you have lyme disease when a red ring forms around where the tick was.