dontlikeliver
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Member # 4749
posted
I'm under pressure from my family to get a dog or a cat.
Is it safe to have one? Are there EFFECTIVE tick repellants that virtually guarantee a live tick will not enter my house on a pet?
I love cats and dogs and have had both in the past, but it was during that time I got sick. My dog and cats had flea collars only...I don't think there was anything else available then, so it didn't kill ticks.
DLL
Posts: 2824 | From The Back of Beyond | Registered: Oct 2003
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clairenotes
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posted
Glad this subject came up and I am anxious to hear what others say.
I was very nervous about getting a dog, let alone anything but something very small, and somehow we ended up with an australian shephard (medium sized).
My anxiety comes from the fact that I know one researcher who is adamant that we should not have pets when ill, due to the fact that they harbor many undesirable microbes/parasites. But I gave into my child's wish to have a dog anyway... this was long before my daughter showed any signs of health issues, and I didn't know what I was dealing with for myself.
I don't handle the dog a lot, but I take him on walks to "doggie" parks, talk to him, and give a lot of treats, in lieu of extra petting. And when I do pet him, I wash my hands very carefully. He is also NOT allowed in bedrooms, let alone on beds. We also don't have carpet in community areas where he is allowed, so it is easier to clean. My husband gives him baths.
He does bring a lot of joy, but also, for me, a lot of uncertainty... I tell him frequently that he is only "living on cute" and thankfully, he thinks I am saying something endearing .
Claire
Edit: I don't have an answer about how to prevent ticks.
Posts: 1111 | From Colorado | Registered: Oct 2006
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CaliforniaLyme
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Member # 7136
posted
We have six cats, 1 outside cat and 1 indoor cat and 4 outside/indoor cats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We run The Olson Home For Rescued & Feral Felines! They are all brats. The oldest is 17 and he is our indoor kitty now. 4 of them are 6 years old and one is 5!
The two hunters- Gink & Diamond- we live at the edge of a state park and they get squirrels and rats and mice and, no matter how many bells I bell them with, birds,- but the hunters tend to fall ill every year or so with a lethergic wasting illness. I treat them with tonic water and they always get better!!!
We use Frontline routinely. We have NEVER had a tick on any of them after the first 6 months here when Xian the old one got many ticks on him ( and fell ill with Inflammatory Bowel Disease within 1 month of me being diagnosd with IBS- and both of ours went away with Doxycycline!). Our house was tick infested when we bought it. The first months here there were hundreds of ticks, I think one must've spawned, seriously... They were everywhere. My first husband and I called them "weird slow red fleas" until we figured out what they were!!!!!!!!!!!!! Didn't know ticks could be red!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A friend of mine came over for tea in our garden 4 years ago and found a tick beneath her breast that night, and years back my older duaghter had a nymph crawling on her, but other than that it has been a few years since I have seen a tick here. Thank goodness. One reason is that there has been plenty of rain and the deer have not come downcreek like they did that summer when they were in our yard all the time. Tick taxis!!! Haven't seen a deer in the yard in a few years- thank GOODNESS!!
We tick sprayed the yard for 3 years after I got Lymed by a proffessoinal pest control company company. That got rid of most of them- !!!!! They sprayd the whole yards/ we are surrounded by greenery- onward onward-
Anyway, we love our cats. We did only have 3 but then one showed up on our doorstep and wouldn't leave (Harley! tomcat!) and one was given to us by someone who had it show up at THEIR doorstep (Duchess!). ANYWAY, unfortunately within the next couple of years we will only have 5 because our old boy Xian is getting so frail & old...
But we do Frontline like clockwork and it works great!!! EXCEPT it only lasts 3 weks not a whole month- we have one huge fluffy white cat (with orange ears, he is a Norweigian forest cat, HUGE) and he is our flea checker!!! When it is about time for new Frontloine I start checking his big old belly every day and ta da! First flea we see on Catkin means it is time for Frontline for all!
-------------------- There is no wealth but life. -John Ruskin
All truth goes through 3 stages: first it is ridiculed: then it is violently opposed: finally it is accepted as self evident. - Schopenhauer Posts: 5639 | From Aptos CA USA | Registered: Apr 2005
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dontlikeliver
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posted
I had not even thought about things one can catch from a dog/cat, Clairenotes - so now it gets even more scary! OK, with cats I am aware of Bartonella risk, so perhaps a cat is too risky.
What diseases do dogs carry that we can get?
Is Frontline expensive and does it stop ticks from jumping onto a dog/cat and getting a ride on fur. Or does it kill ticks instantly and they drop off (outside) immediately?
Posts: 2824 | From The Back of Beyond | Registered: Oct 2003
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klutzo
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posted
We have used Revolution for years on our dog, and it works so well that our indoor cat does not need anything.
Unlike most other products, it kills bugs BEFORE they bite, not after, which is why I like it the best. It also kills heartworm.
It is not cheap, but the price goes according to dose, and the dose goes according to weight, so the smaller pets are cheaper. Our dog is 96 lbs.
Revolution lasts a full 33 days, and you can give a dog one bath inbetween applications and it won't wear off.
Klutzo
Posts: 1269 | From Clearwater, Florida, USA | Registered: May 2004
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dontlikeliver
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posted
An indoor cat would be impossible here as nobody has (even heard of, probably) screen doors and windows. So, unless I kept doors and windows shut all summer, there is no chance of keeping a cat in and I don't think I could keep a dog in anyway (not fair).
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dontlikeliver
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posted
Klutzo, thank you. I'll read up on the Revolution. My daughter wants a Pug, which is small and has short hair at least.
DLL
Posts: 2824 | From The Back of Beyond | Registered: Oct 2003
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clairenotes
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posted
Dll -- I don't know about actual diseases you can get from dogs, but from what I have read, they can harbor microbes that might get passed on to us. With low immunity this is a concern for me.
I am probably overly cautious in this area, but since so much of my young adult life was taken from me due to illness, I am protective of my health and my daughter's health.
A pug sounds manageable (small and short-haired is good). And perhaps you can make special areas of the house for it. Also, we don't let our dog lick our face etc., either.
Sorry if I created more fear than you originally had! We do have a dog... we just take precautions.
Claire
Posts: 1111 | From Colorado | Registered: Oct 2006
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dontlikeliver
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posted
Thanks everyone for your help.
I still am not sure what to do. Am scared to get Lyme all over again on top of current Lyme and possible new coinfections.......and I don't know about other microbes or chances of getting them, but LOL perhaps if I got a pug I could make it gargle with Listerine before licking!! Posts: 2824 | From The Back of Beyond | Registered: Oct 2003
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Geneal
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posted
I am on the opposite site of the spectrum. I currently own 7 dogs, one cat, one pot belly pig, and one tank of fish.
I initially thought I had contracted Lyme from a tick infested dog my husband found last summer, but now I know I've had it for longer time than that.
I keep Advantix on all of my animals..Even so, found one engorged tick last week on the only dog who shares my bed.
Does it scare me? A little. I am not so cavalier about pulling them off with my fingernails anymore though!!!!
We have a major issue here, especially post Katrina, with mosquitos, hordes of biting horse flies, and other weird bugs.
I wouldn't dream of getting rid of any of my dogs because of Lyme.
I never, ever saw a tick on my dog that I had when I lived in the burbs.
Lucky then? Maybe.
Obviously there is some common vector where I live as my neighbor and I have Lyme and my husband is Elisa positive for it.
By the way, my neighbor doesn't have a dog.
I am definitely more aware of all bugs. Very careful about checking my animals, children, and myself daily.
My dogs are not walked on a sidewalk on a leash as I live in the country. They can run about 5 of our 8 acres.
I think if you are careful and keep your dog protected via topical solution, it would be fine.
They are wonderful friends and companions.
Of course, one of the best pets I ever had was a duck.
The pot bellied pig doesn't get fleas or ticks. Biting flies bounce off him. His skin is so thick.
Don't feel pressured into getting a pet. If you are not comfortable with the idea, then do something else for yourself.
I, myself, couldn't imagine a life without pets in it.
Hugs,
Geneal
Posts: 6250 | From Louisiana | Registered: Oct 2006
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lymednva
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posted
I've had dogs all my life, and now as as single empty nester they are my "kids." I love them and they give me so much in return. I don't think I'll easily give up being a dog owner. They are precious and so loving and devoted.
One of my dogs has had Lyme and been treated, but I had it before I had them. I've owned at least five dogs since I was infected, and really don't think twice about having them with me.
I would be cautious about dog parks, though because that is a place it seems they might be more apt to pick up other doggie problems, like parasites. My health has precluded my taking mine to them, I can't do hot or cold, and can't stand for long.
-------------------- Lymednva Posts: 2407 | From over the river and through the woods | Registered: Apr 2006
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caat
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posted
Bartonella is the biggie with cats- any vet will tell you transfered by fleas.
We have 4 "cat people" I know of in town, all walk stiffly and have nuerological problems. One is psychotic and just got arrested. That one steals other people's cats, throws them in her vehicle and sleeps with them after they are dead. Eeeewww.... I think they all have late bartonella.
If I ever get another cat I'll use frontline or another long lasting drop thing.
Posts: 1436 | From Humboldt county ca usa | Registered: Mar 2002
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Geneal
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posted
I may be confused about this (won't be the first or last time), but I thought the bart carried by ticks is different from the bart carried by cats.
It was my understanding that although they are all referenced by "cat scratch fever" the strains are actually different.
Please feel free to correct me (gently please).
Hugs,
Geneal
Posts: 6250 | From Louisiana | Registered: Oct 2006
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To me, this is just like people that are on long term abx asking if it's really necessary that they have to go on an anti Candida diet.
I know that people really love their pets, But you have to ask yourself which is more important for now; you and your family's health, or pleasing your daughter by giving her what she wants?
There's no way I would even consider getting a cat(esp) or a dog until I had been well for a few years. Even then I don't think that it would be worth the risk. Flea and tick collars can't keep everything off, and then you have to consider the fact that you are exposing yourself to the poisions that are on it, that get all over them, and all over the people that handle them.
But then again, if you don't have screens to keep the mosquitos out, maybe it won't make any difference.
-------------------- You're only a failure when you stop trying. Posts: 945 | From U.S | Registered: Oct 2004
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dontlikeliver
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LOL I throw myself from one extreme to the other - one day I think "ok I'd really be ok with getting a pet" and the next when someone reminds me that it's not a good idea I think I must be nuts to even think it.
And......I haven't been that great with anticandida diet either now, for months. But, been good for the last 2 weeks.
Posts: 2824 | From The Back of Beyond | Registered: Oct 2003
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hardynaka
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posted
Frontline never helped my cat to come with less ticks. Only less fleas.
With or without Frontline, my cat comes with ticks the whole tick season.
Posts: 1086 | From Switzerland | Registered: Oct 2005
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5dana8
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Member # 7935
posted
Hi dontlikeliver
For me I could not live very happy without my 2 dogs. They give me uncondtitional love. There is a risk to having them though.
I use front line very month but have found ticks that "hitch" a ride inside on the top of their fur coats. So be extra careul in looking the dog or cat over when they come outside.
*When you use frontline make sure not to get them wet or bath them for 3 days. It takes that long for the frontline to sink in & be effective.
I try to limit the amount of time they spend out doors. I have stoned fenced in yard that I let them out to go bathroom in.
And When I walk them try to stick to stones or pavement & don't let them cozy up to bush's and such. And brush them with a slicker brush & fine toothed comb & check them over head to foot when they come in. I wish I could get them to wear a tick suit
I try to make up for their out door limitations with extra love & affection
The have seen me threw some horrible times with my lyme and for me they do out way the risks involved.
Blessings in what ever decision you make Dana
-------------------- 5dana8 Posts: 4432 | From some where over the rainbow | Registered: Sep 2005
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caat
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posted
Geneal,
yep there's several species of them. They really don't know everything about them.
But the ones that cause "cat scratch" are said to be transfered to humans by either ticks or cat scratches- not fleas. BUT the same one is said to be transfer to other cats by fleas.
I think it's safe to assume they can be transfered from mammal to mammal by either ticks or fleas. Or scratches or bites.
Posts: 1436 | From Humboldt county ca usa | Registered: Mar 2002
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clairenotes
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 10392
posted
One more thought, DLL...
Please also think very carefully about kissing pets, when ill.
Our dog gets a lot of attention between all of us. I just don't handle him or pet him as much as I would normally be tempted. Let the healthy people in your family handle that till you are well, if you decide to adopt a pet.
Claire
Posts: 1111 | From Colorado | Registered: Oct 2006
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Melanie Reber
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Member # 3707
posted
Good morning Liver-lips!
I just wanted to jump in here with my own experience with TBDs and animals.
Both my dog and cat were exposed to TBDs (and there are several that can effect both) over the years.
And yes, animal to human, and animal to animal transmission is possible and probable...I will let you do the research as I simply don't have the time right now to pull it up.
Anyway, my Borzoi succumed to TBDs finally. It was a very sad thing to witness and broke my heart. At the time, I was ignorant about TBDs, but within a week of my diagnosis, he had to be put down due to LD and secondary CHF.
My cat, on the other hand, had a very good fighting immune system, and was ok until this last year.
Cats, although just as at risk as dogs, seem to have a built in barrier to fight a bit harder. BUT, I also think that the symptoms that cats show are much more subtle, and many owners are unaware that the animal is ill until it is very far in the process.
This last year, my indoor/outdoor cat, for the first time mind you, contracted, fleas, worms from the fleas, a UI obstruction, etc. it was one health issue after another for a kitty who had rarely even been to the vet.
While we were dealing with the flea issue, and while the cat was wearing Rx Advantage flea and tick meds...he still brought a nymph into the house and I found it crawling on my bed where he was laying.
So, ticks do hitch a ride on the top of the coat (as Dana mentioned), and can certainly come indoors with the cat only to hang out and do what they do best, cause problems.
My cat and I became very ill during this time period, both of our systems took a sudden nosedive.
Now, the cat is strictly indoors, and has adjusted beautifully. He is also on a maintenance dose of doxy and most likely will remian on this for life.
The doxy has made my kitty come back to life! Even when ALL testing for the complete tick panels were negative, I insisted on a trail med run, and it has been nothing short of miraculous!
I hardly recognize this interactive ball of fur now, and I am so grateful that we treated despite negative testing...the proof shows itself very clearly.
When my dog passed, I did a lot of research on feline and canine TBDs...it was too late for him, but I wanted to be able to share this with others so his passing would not be in vain.
I hope you do choose to have animals in your life, because what mine have given to me is simply priceless, but it is also a big decision as to how to keep you and them protected.
I am one who believes in preventative care, having seen the consequences too clearly of post exposure care.
Anyway, here is the link to the files that were created. I hope that you will take what you need to make the best possible decision for yourself and your family.
posted
The Army Vet had gave a lecture on pet diseases on the base I was at. I was amazed what you can catch from cats and dogs. Pin worms is most common humans catch...
The Vet said, "When you kiss your pet you are really kissing their rear ends..."
Tj
Posts: 192 | From Phoenix, AZ | Registered: Apr 2005
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Geneal
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 10375
posted
Thanks Tj33,
That was a visual I could do without.
We humans have much more harmful bacteria in our mouth than dogs do.
A human bite is much worse than a dog bite (bacteria wise).
A cat bite is supposed to be the worst for the bacterial load.
Especially if it is an outdoor/indoor cat.
So says the vet anyways.
Hugs,
Geneal
Posts: 6250 | From Louisiana | Registered: Oct 2006
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