25 Feb Protecting your pet from ticks
Protecting your pet from ticks
Ticks are a common problem in the UK and can pose a real health risk to your pet. As it’s Tick Prevention Week from the 25th to 31st of March, now’s the ideal time to take a look at how you can protect your four-legged friend. Because with a little know-how, you can keep your pet happy, safe and tick-free!
What are ticks?
Ticks are tiny parasites that feed on the blood of animals and humans. The most common type in the UK is the sheep tick, but there are also hedgehog ticks and fox or badger ticks. These horrible little critters are most active from spring to autumn and lurk in woodland, heathland, long grass and areas with lots of wildlife. Which, unfortunately, are the same places most pets love to play and explore.
Ticks don’t jump or fly. Instead, they climb to the tip of a blade of grass or plant, stretch out their front legs, and wait for an unsuspecting pet to brush past. Once they’ve grabbed hold, they crawl through the fur until they reach the skin, where they latch on.
Why are ticks a problem?
A tick’s bite is painless, but they can carry some nasty diseases. The biggest worry is Lyme disease, which can affect both humans and dogs (it’s uncommon in cats). Symptoms to watch for in your pet include fever, lethargy, swollen joints, loss of appetite, and lameness. Another tick-borne disease, babesiosis, affects red blood cells and can cause severe anaemia.
Are tick prevention products enough?
There is a range of different treatments you can use to protect your pet from ticks, such as spot-on applications and tablets. It’s always best to ask your vet to recommend the best option for your pet. Unfortunately, nothing is 100% effective, so it’s always best to check your pet daily if they’re spending time outdoors.
How to check your pet
Since ticks love warm, hidden spots, be sure to check these areas after every outdoor adventure:
- Under the collar
- Around the groin
- Under the front legs
- Under the tail
- Between the toes
- Inside the ears
A quick once-over could save your pet a lot of discomfort – and you from a trip to the vet!
What to do if you find a tick
First, don’t panic. The key is to remove it carefully to prevent infection. Never try to pull a tick off with your fingers, as squeezing it could cause harmful bacteria to be pushed into your pet’s bloodstream. Instead, use a tick hook, which you can buy cheaply from pet shops or vets.
Here’s how to do it:
- Slide the hook under the tick.
- Twist gently while pulling upwards.
- Make sure the whole tick is removed.
- Dispose of it safely.
If you’ve removed a tick and your pet seems fine, there’s no need to worry. However, contact your vet if you think part of the tick is still embedded, or the area becomes red, swollen or infected. Or if your pet seems unwell or develops any symptoms of Lyme disease.
Prevention is better than cure
While you can’t completely stop your pet from picking up ticks, there are simple ways to reduce the risk:
- Avoid tick hotspots: Stick to clear paths instead of wading through long grass.
- Use tick prevention treatments: Collars, spot-on treatments and tablets can help. Your vet can recommend the best option for your pet.
- Do regular checks: A quick tick check after every walk is a great routine to get into.
- Use tick repellents: These can be especially helpful in high-risk areas.
Ticks may be a worry as we go into spring, but with regular checks and the right prevention methods, you can keep your pet safe and happy. And if you are worried about your pet, make sure to talk to your vet.
The 4Paws Team