A: Unfortunately, tick season is upon us. Ticks are tough parasites that can survive in many adverse conditions. Ticks can transmit a number of diseases: Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, ehrlichia and cytauxzoonosis, to name a few.

There are many tick control products for cats and dogs. Many are dog specific and can be very toxic to cats. Obviously, some products are better than others as far as safety and effectiveness. Ask your veterinarian for a recommendation.

As to the original question -- should you be concerned if you find a tick on your pet -- the answer is not simple. Ticks should generally be removed if attached with a pair of tweezers. Make sure the whole tick is removed -- sometimes the body comes off but the embedded head stays behind. If you are sure you removed the whole tick, watch the bite area for the next several days for any redness, swelling or pain. Call your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns.

There is disagreement about how long it takes to transmit the various tick-borne diseases after a bite. Some diseases are also transmitted by specific tick species. Generally speaking, any abnormal behavior by a pet that occurs days to several weeks after a known tick bite should prompt close observation. If the abnormal behavior worsens or persists, a visit to the veterinarian is a good idea. Signs caused by the different tick borne diseases are extremely variable and unpredictable.

Ticks are parasites that people and pets have to learn to live with. They can pose a threat to pets and people by transmitting diseases that are not always easy to diagnose or treat.

Preventatives and control products are a good idea for any pet that goes outside where ticks can be present. If you do find a tick on your pet, remove the tick completely. If you are concerned about the tick bite or any other abnormal behavior following the bite, call your veterinarian or bring your pet into the hospital.