Fitheach

It is now officially Spring, as #Gruoch just got her first tick of 2026. I noticed the tick crawling about her, and removed it before it had time to attach.

I'm now expecting an explosion in tick numbers in the next week or so. 

Mar 8 at 2:31pmWeb
Show threadStevanMar 8
@fitheach We were just saying it's getting to the time to be aware of ticks again. I managed to get Lyme disease last year, fortunately well spotted (if you pardon the expression) by our doctor, and it was caught very early. But it's left a feeling that they're no longer "just ticks".
Show threadFitheachMar 8

@withaveeay
Sadly, Lyme's disease is no longer rare. I know a few people that got it in recent years.

Did you have any effects?

Show threadStevanMar 8
@fitheach I just had a rash on my shoulder. It didn't go away, and I couldn't see any "bullseye" they talk about. But our doctor was very certain. She said the rash would go within 48 hours on the antibiotics, which, as it had been there for some time, seemed unlikely, but yes, like magic, it disappeared well within that time. I don't think I have any other effects. It would be so hard to tell.... 😉
Show threadFitheachMar 8
@withaveeay
I'm sure I read there is a side-effect of feeling compelled to rant on the Internet. :-)
Show threadStevanMar 8
@fitheach Oh, in that case, it's not the first time I got it! 😂
Show threadHelen Lockhart Ripples CraftsMar 8
@fitheach Well @withaveeay beat me to it. We were *just* saying this morning we needed to start checking for ticks again after our morning walks.
Show threadFitheachMar 8
@HelenLockhart @withaveeay
Luckily, I have a white dog. That makes an enormous difference, as ticks can be seen quickly. I also seem to be one of these people that ticks don't like. On the same walks, my ex would come home with 10 ticks and I'd have none.
Show threadRupert CurwenMar 8
@fitheach Do dogs suffer from Lyme's Disease?
Show threadFitheachMar 8

@smashtie
They can/do. Lyme's disease is caused by a bacteria transmitted by an infected tick when it bites a human, or other animal including dogs.

@withaveeay described getting a rash which his doctor recognised as Lyme's disease. A bull's eye rash is another common symptom in humans. It would be much more difficult to recognise in dogs.