Lyme Disease Threatening

As with other states, The Oho Department of Health urges individuals trekking in the woods or grass to use tick spray and know the signs of tick-borne illnesses. Although individuals think that ticks die out in colder weather, this is simply not the case.

Lyme Disease and other tick-borne threats are still very much alive. Ticks live by feeding on a warm-blooded human or pet and will hide underneath leaves or in dog fur to stay warm. 

'The state agency reports that 241 cases of Lyme disease have been reported in 60 of Ohio's 88 counties this year. The number of cases has risen steadily the last five years, with 160 reported last year after only 93 in 2013.' (ABC News 5, Cleveland. By Associated Press.)

Humans and pets can both experience a tick bite and hold a threat of Lyme Disease and other tick illnesses. It's important for pet owners to carry a tick remover tool with them when outside for long periods of time in case of a tick bite. 

How to remove a tick

• Disinfect the area with soap or rubbing alcohol;
• Take the tick tweezers and pull the tick straight up. Twisting the tick puts the human or pet at risk of diseases;
• Disinfect the area once more;
• Place the tick in a storage container and take it to the vet for testing.