76. Discussing pets, ticks, and Lyme disease, with veterinarian, Michael Howlett
We're interested in what goes on for non-human animals and how this might affect the human experience.
In this episode, we speak with Dr. Michael Howlett, a veterinarian based out of Cumberland County, Nova Scotia. When Dr. Mike returned to Nova Scotia to practice veterinary medicine, he did not expect to see so much Lyme disease; however, his location on the South Shore proved to be a hot spot for Lyme. Dr. Mike has become very passionate about increasing awareness and prevention of Lyme disease during his time as a veterinarian.
We are very interested in what goes on for non-human animals and how this might affect the human experience.
Topics discussed
- 1:00 Introducing Dr. Mike and when he became a veterinarian
- 1:50 A summary of what is learned about Lyme disease in veterinarian school
- 2:45 Dr. Mike’s experience with Lyme and other tick borne illnesses in pets and how ticks vary by location
- 5:20 Lyme symptoms in pets, and the troubles of Lyme nephropathy
- 7:50 Personal story of Lyme in a puppy
- 9:21 Lyme vaccinations for pets
- 11:00 How tick territory is changing
- 13:15 Public reaction to ticks and tick borne infections
- 13:55 Does Lyme get brought up at veterinary conferences?
- 14:55 Frequency of Lyme diagnosis in Dr. Mike’s patients
- 16:00 Risk factors for humans from their pets, and how tick preventative medicines work on pets
- 16:55 Discussions about ticks with pet owners and examples of preventative medications
- 18:40 Tips for people to be aware of ticks
