What are ticks?

Ticks are nasty little creatures that are second in line to mosquitoes in spreading infectious disease to both pets and people. There are several species in the UK alone, and numbers are on the rise due to wetter, warmer weather. Ticks are particularly prevalent in the spring and summer, though they can be found in the UK countryside all year round.

Where are ticks found?

Usually found in fields or woodland areas, especially where there are sheep or deer.  Ticks lurk in long grass, waiting to latch themselves on to passing animals – or humans. These pesky parasites need a host to feed from, and to provide somewhere to find a mate for breeding. They often transmit disease from one host to another, which makes them particularly efficient at spreading disease.

What are the signs of ticks on dogs?

Being tiny, ticks can be hard to spot: though they’re generally oval and flat, they swell to the size of a pea once they’re engorged with the blood of the host creature they’re feeding on. Like the spiders they’re related to, ticks have eight legs which you may be able to spot if you look closely.

Identifying ticks on dogs

The best way to check your dog for ticks is to groom them thoroughly after walking in the countryside. Brushing against the direction of hair growth can help you spot any embedded ticks. Start at the head (around the muzzle and ears, behind and inside the ears and on the chin and neck).  Work you way down its forelegs and then the rest of the body including on the pads and between the toes.

Ticks and Lyme disease

As well as causing your dog to itch, UK ticks may carry a serious condition called Lyme disease, which can affect humans as well as dogs. Lyme disease is hard to diagnose in dogs, so if you have any reason to believe your dog may have been bitten by a tick, get them to the vet fast.

The most obvious signs of Lyme disease in dogs include a ‘bull’s eye’ lesion around the bite, fever, lameness, and inflamed lymph nodes. If in doubt, always consult your vet.

How can I prevent my dog from getting ticks?

• Groom your pet regularly to check for ticks.
• Check your dog (and yourself) for ticks after walking your dog.
• Treat your dog with a prescription quality tick prevention product.  Products range from spot-on treatments and sprays, to impregnated collars. We can advise you on the best method of tick prevention for your dog.

What if I find a tick on my dog?

If you do find a tick on your dog, it’s vital to remove it with care – or ask us to do it for you. It’s best to use tweezers or a tick-removal tool, sometimes called a ‘tick twister’.  Do not attempt to burn, cut or pull the tick directly off as embedded parts of the tick can be left behind in your dog’s skin. You may want to wear disposable gloves or use kitchen towel when handling these horrible hitchhikers. Avoid releasing the tick as it could reattach itself to your pet or lay eggs.

If in doubt, please contact us.

Dog ticks – advice and treatment

If you suspect your dog has ticks, or is carrying a tick-borne disease, call us immediately.