Ticks in Dogs- Its Causes, Symptoms, and Ayurvedic Treatment
Abstract
Ticks are the external parasites living by feeding on the blood of mammals, reptiles, birds or even humans. These parasites are found in various habitats like in urban areas, woody areas, grasslands, and get more active during the summer season. Ticks can transmit many diseases like Q fever, Lyme diseases, Typhus and many more. In Ayurveda, we can refer to the ticks as Krimi which are further classified as external and internal Krimi. Our holy Acharyas have mentioned its types, symptoms and treatment in their textbooks. So in this article we are going to discuss the modern and ayurvedic aspect over the ticks in dogs disease.
Introduction
Ticks are blood consuming parasites that can develop a wide range of health deficits in dogs like Lyme disease, Rocky mountain spotted fever, Q fever etc. These are considered under the infectious diseases that usually appear with the onset of spring and summer season. During this time, we have to take preventive measures to protect our furry friends from these parasites.
Ayurvedic Aspect
According to an Ayurveda aspect, millenia before the invention of microscopy, our Rishis or Acharyas have already mentioned about the origin, cause, types and treatment of these parasitic infections. Ayurvedic science has classified these microorganisms as Krimi which are further divided into two – Bahya (External) and Agantuja (External). Bahya are Yuka, Pipilika and Agantuja are of three types as Kaphaja – residing in mucus, Raktaj – residing in blood, Purishaj – residing in lower GI tract and in stool. Ticks can be considered under the Bahya category of Krimi Roga.
Causes
Reason Behind the Tick Infestation in Dogs Are
- Warm body temperature
- Unique scent of host
- Exhalation of Carbon dioxide
Symptoms
Ticks oftenly attached in the skin of dogs around the head, neck, ear area but can also be found on the other parts of the body. Above are the various symptoms that can be seen by tick biting in dogs
- Redness or swelling- In Ayurveda this feature is correlated with Vivarnnata over the skin by local inflammation.
- Itching and Scratching – this symptom can be taken under the Kandu.
- Fever- can be called as Jwara.
- Anemia- Rakt kshaya due to blood feeding parasites.
- Joint Pain- known as Shoola that is colicky pain in joints.
- Paralysis- due to toxins produced by ticks from their saliva can lead to paralysis.
These all symptoms are mentioned millennial ago by our Acharyas which shows the presence of worms in the body
ज्वरो विवर्णता शूलं हृद्रोग छर्दनम् भ्रम्।
भक्तद्वेषोऽतिसारश्च सन्जातक्रिमिलक्षणम् ॥
- Jwara (Fever)
- Vivarnnata (Discoloration)
- Shoola (Pain)
- Hridroga (Heart disease)
- Chardnam (Vomiting)
- Bhrama (Giddiness)
- Bhakta dwesha (aversion to food)
- Atisar (Diarrhea)
Complications
Tick Bites Can Cause Various Diseases Including
- Lyme diseases
- Anaplasmosis
- Rocky mountain spotted fever
- Tick paralysis
- Anemia
General Treatment
It is important to check your furry friend regularly, if you live in an area where ticks are so common. Here are some common treatment goals that can be advised by allopathic doctor
- Removal of Ticks– This procedure should be done as soon as possible, may perform with the help of an expert or can be done at home as well.
- Antibiotics
- Anti-inflammatory medications.
- Oral or topical treatments
Side Effects
Allopathic medications can be effective in removing the ticks but they can also have potential side effects. Specific side effects will depend on the medication and the body’s response to the treatment. Antibiotics may cause vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and allergic reactions or even liver and kidney damage. NSAIDS can cause GI problems, ulcers, vomiting, diarrhea etc.
How Ayurveda is Better
Ayurveda is the ancient system of medicines which believes everything in this universe is made up of five basic elements ether, air, fire, water and earth and these all are combined together to make three doshas that is Vata, Pitta and Kapha and seven Dhatus that are rasa (plasma), rakta (blood), mamsa (muscle), meda (fat), asthi (bone), majja (bone marrow), and shukra (reproductive tissue). Due to imbalance in all these constitutions leads to various health problems.
Ticks or Krimi can affect these major constituents, disrupt the balance of doshas and dhatus which results in different diseases. Ayurvedic medicine offers a natural alternative to treating tick infestations, using herbs and natural remedies that can help repel ticks and promote overall health in dogs.
In Classical textbooks Acharyas mention three basic principles to get rid of ticks or Krimi in a very natural manner
Apkarshana
- Removal of ticks or elimination therapy
Prakriti Vighata
- Create an unfavorable environment for ticks
Nidana Parivarjana
- Avoid the causative factors.
- Improve the dog’s diet and lifestyle.
- Natural herbs used as repellents such as neem, haridra, manjistha etc.
- Regular grooming, cleanliness should be maintained.
Herbal Remedies by Planet Ayurveda for Ticks in Dogs
Planet Ayurveda is a GMP certified manufacturing unit which produces high quality Ayurvedic products and exports to various countries in the world. All the products are totally free from side-effects, chemicals, preservatives, coloring agents or flavoring substances. Our company is headed by MD Ayurveda doctors who look over the quality and properties of herbs and plants that are used in preparing the medicines. Here are some products listed below that are very helpful in dogs to treat ticks and useful to make them healthier and stronger.
Product List
- Neem Oil
- Tea Tree Oil
- Gandhak Rasayan
- Dermo Plan Syrup
- Neem Leaves Decoction
Products Description
1. Neem Oil
This is a classical herbal product prepared by Planet Ayurveda consisting of Neem (Azadirachta indica). This herb is very helpful in maintaining skin health, balances the aggravated dosha, and also acts as insect repellent.
2. Tea Tree Oil
This is a patent ayurvedic formulation produced by planet Ayurveda which has various properties such as bactericidal, anti-microbial, enhance healing, and its fragrance also helps to remove and repel the ticks. This oil is made by an Australian plant, Melaleuca alternifolia commonly known as tea tree.
Method of application- Mix both the oil and apply on the affected area.
3. Gandhak Rasayan
This is a classical herbal formulation mentioned by Acharyas in ancient times to help the diseased one to get rid from the disease. This herbal product helps to boost the immune system and promote the overall health of the dogs. Shuddha Gandhak that is purified sulphur acts as rasayana in the body which helps to rejuvenate and nourish the skin.
Dosage- 1 tablet twice daily with feed.
4. Dermo Plan Syrup
This product is manufactured by Planet Ayurveda experts and is consisting of various herbs like Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), etc. these beneficial herbs helps in purification of blood and are having antibacterial properties, antihistamine properties.
Dosage- 1 teaspoon twice a day
5. Neem Leaves Decoction
This is an amazing technique to remove and also works as repellent for ticks. Neem is a microbicidal agent used as detoxification and cleansing agent over the skin.
Method- Boil the leaves in water then use that water for bath.
Contact Planet Ayurveda Support Team to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or Call at 0172-521-4030 (India), +91-172-521-4030 (Outside India) or Whatsapp at (+91) 9915-593-604
Conclusion
In summary, Ayurveda recognizes that humans and dogs have unique physical and mental characteristics that require different approaches to maintaining optimal health. Ayurveda places great importance on diet and nutrition as a means of promoting health and preventing disease. Humans and dogs both require a balanced diet for promoting good health and disease free life. By approaching these means to manage the ticks in dogs helps to get a proper well-being for your furry companions.
